May 13, 2025 — As the weather warms and the sun shines brighter, the Clovis Police Department is reminding all residents to be extra vigilant when sharing the road. May is both Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and National Bicycle Safety Month, and the department is emphasizing the importance of looking out for these vulnerable road users to prevent crashes and save lives.
Corporal Mark Bradford, Traffic Supervisor for the Clovis Police Department, stressed the need for increased awareness from drivers. “Motorcycles may be difficult to spot, so be extra careful before changing lanes,” he said. “A simple double take can make a life-saving difference. Motorcycle riders do not have the same protections drivers and passengers do. Let’s all do our part to keep each other safe out there.”
The statistics highlight the risks faced by motorcyclists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 6,218 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes nationwide in 2022, accounting for 15 percent of all highway fatalities. In California alone, 634 motorcyclists lost their lives in 2022, marking a 3.8 percent increase from the previous year.
Throughout May, Clovis Police officers will be conducting traffic safety operations aimed at addressing driver behaviors that pose a threat to motorcyclists. They are urging drivers to:
- Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
- Avoid following motorcycles too closely; maintain a safe distance.
- Exercise caution when a motorcycle signals, ensuring the rider is turning before proceeding.
For motorcyclists, the police department offers crucial safety advice:
- Always wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet with eye protection.
- Wear protective gear such as leather or sturdy clothing, including jackets, pants, boots with non-skid soles, and gloves. Consider adding reflective strips or decals for better visibility.
- Ride defensively and never assume drivers can see you. Avoid riding in drivers’ blind spots.
- Keep headlights on at all times, even during the day.
Simultaneously, the Clovis Police Department is also focusing on bicycle safety as more people take to two wheels for commuting, exercise, and recreation. Corporal Bradford noted, “Bicycling is a great means of transportation and recreation, and everyone deserves to ride to their destination safely. Whether you are behind the wheel or on two wheels, we all share the responsibility to move safely on our roads.”
NHTSA data reveals that 1,105 bicyclists were killed and an estimated 46,195 were injured in traffic crashes in 2022. To address this, Clovis Police will also conduct traffic safety operations throughout May targeting driver behaviors that endanger bicyclists and pedestrians, such as speeding, illegal turns, failure to yield, and running stop signs or red lights.
The department provides the following safety tips for both drivers and bike riders:
Drivers:
- Slow down and adhere to the speed limit. Be especially cautious at intersections.
- Thoroughly check for bicyclists and pedestrians before turning or opening car doors near streets or bike paths.
- Be patient when behind a bicyclist and allow ample space when passing. California law requires drivers to change lanes, when possible, to pass bicyclists and always provide at least 3 feet of space.
- Never drive distracted or impaired.
Bike Riders:
- Use lights at night.
- Although not mandatory for adults, always wear a properly secured helmet to significantly reduce the risk of head injuries.
- Bicyclists must travel in the same direction as traffic and adhere to the same rules as other slow-moving vehicles.
- Yield to pedestrians, who have the right-of-way in marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
The funding for these vital safety programs is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Clovis Police Department urges all members of the community to take these safety tips to heart and help ensure that everyone can travel safely on Clovis roads this May and beyond.