STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) – With the snow melting, more cyclists are hitting the roads and trails. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says in 2024, a bicyclist was killed or hurt about every 11 hours.
Scott Cole, general manager of Hostel Shoppe, has been cycling for 40 years.
“It used to be that if you were on the back roads by the dairy farms, it was pretty safe,” Cole said. “But sometimes people assume that if they’re on the back roads, they can maybe text more or use their phones more.”
Cole was out riding Saturday, covering just over 25 miles on his gravel bike. He said visibility is key.
“The biggest thing when you’re out on the road, especially, is being visible,” Cole said.
Cyclists should have a white light on the front of their bike and a red flashing light on the rear. Riders should also wear reflective gear like a helmet or shirt.
Cole said he stays alert by avoiding distractions.
Many cities are looking at expanding bike lanes and improving trails to make biking safer.
“I’m very aware, I don’t use ear buds or headphones when I’m out,” Cole said. “I want to try to be able to hear the cars and we’ve got into more hybrid cars. The cars have gotten quieter, so they’re harder to hear when they come up, especially if it’s windy.”
Cole also recommends having a form of ID in case of an accident.
Crash data and defensive riding
In 2024, there were 894 crashes involving bicyclists in Wisconsin. Many involved motorists are failing to yield.
“Always try to be defensive when you’re out there because a lot of times cars aren’t looking for cyclists on certain roads,” Cole said. “Ride roads that aren’t; they don’t have high traffic counts on them.”
Cyclists can also join a cycling club to look out for one another. Sydney Evans works with Cole and is an avid cyclist. She is part of the Stevens Point Cycling Club.
“We always try to respect motorists and we give them ample room and we hope that they give us ample room because we are just sharing the road together,” Evans said.
Rules for motorists
Motorists should leave at least three feet when passing cyclists.
Cyclists who are still worried about visibility can get a tool that will alert them when a car is approaching from 150 to 200 yards away. It also makes the rear light flash faster so cars see the rider.
Cole said cyclists should obey all traffic laws.
“Just trying to be safe and following the rules of the road,” Cole said. “Because anytime we’re out there, motorists expect us to stop at stop signs. We expect them to stop at stop signs. And to stay in their lane, especially if they’re coming towards us.”
Motorists should remember that bicycles are vehicles. Cyclists need room to get around things like potholes. Drivers should change lanes to pass a cyclist traveling in a narrow lane.
Cyclists going out alone should tell someone when and where they are going, and keep an ID with them.
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