Drinking & biking: a bad idea

From Forbes:

The number of bicyclists killed in crashes on U.S. road is on the rise, particularly among adult males and urban riders, groups that now represent most of the deaths, a new report shows.

Failure to wear helmets, alcohol impairment and an increase in urban commuting were among the factors sited as reasons for the recent spike in deaths.

Fatalities among bicyclists in motor vehicle crashes increased 16 percent from 2010 to 2012, while overall motor vehicle fatalities increased just one percent during the same time period, according to Spotlight on Highway Safety: Bicyclist Safety, released late last month by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), a nonprofit organization representing state highway safety offices.

The report analyzed how fatality trends and crash patterns have changed since the mid 1970′s.

Some highlights from the report about bicyclists killed in 2012:

-More than 1 in 4 adult were legally drunk

-More than two-thirds were not wearing helmets

- Nearly three-quarters were adult males

New rules of the road for delivery bikes in effect

From NY1:

Delivery cyclists are facing new rules of the road today.

The City Council has updated the laws for commercial bicyclists in an effort to make the streets safer.

Under the new rules, commercial cyclists must wear reflective vests and bicycle helmets.

They must also carry a business ID card at all times.

Business owners must supply all of these items.

They must also make sure bikes are equipped with a bell, lights, brakes, reflectors and a sign showing the business name and bike ID number.

Violators face fines from $100 to $250.

For more on the city's bicycle laws, visit nyc.gov/bikes.