Learn and Ride Together at Municipal Court’s Bike Safety Expo

Published on May 08, 2023

Gear up for this family-friendly event happening this Saturday

SAN ANTONIO (May 8, 2023) — May is Bicycle Safety Month, and the San Antonio Municipal Court is reminding bicyclists and motorists to share the road safely. To promote bike safety, the Court is sponsoring a Bike Safety Expo as part of its Drive SAfely SA initiative.
 
The event will take place on this Saturday, May 13, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Stinson Municipal Airport Trailhead, located at 8535 Mission Road. The Expo will feature experienced cyclists who will teach and help adjust gear, a children's adventure course, and a safe, family-friendly trail for everyone to ride.
 
"Bicyclist fatalities from traffic crashes can be prevented when all road users know and understand their responsibility to share the road safely," said Presiding Municipal Court Judge Carla Obledo. "The Court urges everyone to pass bikes at a safe distance, check your blind spot before changing lanes or turning, and yield the right of way to cyclists. Most importantly, obey the speed limit and focus on the road when behind the wheel."
 
According to the Crash Records Information System, some common causes of bicycle accidents include biking unsafely, failure to share the road, improper turns, unsafe lane changes and improper passing, speeding, running a red light or stop sign, and driver/bicyclist inattention or distraction. In 2021, the most common cause of bike accidents was failing to yield the right of way.
 
It's important to note that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as drivers of motor vehicles and can also be fined for violating traffic laws. Most violations, such as riding against traffic, failing to yield to pedestrians, riding on the sidewalk, and riding at night without proper lights, are Class C misdemeanors punishable by a fine of up to $200.
 
For more information on bicycle safety, please visit the TxDOT campaign website.