Warmer weather and the fast approach of summer means more bicyclists will be out on the roads, so it’s more important than ever for bicyclists and motorists to enjoy the journey and arrive safely by following the rules of the road.

Bicycles on the roadway have the same rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicles, the state Office of Highway Safety Planning advised in a news release.

During National Bicycle Safety Month in May, drivers and bicyclists are called on to do their part to help reduce deaths and injuries, but the same rules and advice applies any time of year that bicyclists take to the roadways.

According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, in 2023:

— Bicyclists were involved in 1,487 motor vehicle crashes and 24 were killed;

— Of those crashes, 76% occurred during daylight conditions;

— Of those crashes, 78% were male, 19% were female and 2% had no gender reported; and

— Of the bicyclist fatalities, 79% were age 21 to 64.

For drivers:

— Michigan law requires motorists to give at least 3 feet of space when passing a bicyclist, measured from the vehicle’s side mirror.

— Traffic safety is a shared responsibility. When driving, look out for bicyclists, never drive distracted and look left-right-left and behind when turning right on red. Yield to bicycles as you would other vehicles.

— Motorists should maintain a safe distance if they see a bicyclist. Bicyclists are most often killed by drivers who strike them with the front of their vehicles, often at high speeds. The higher the vehicle speed, the higher the likelihood a bicyclist will be seriously injured or killed.

— In parking lots, at stop signs, when backing up or when parking, search the surroundings for other vehicles, including bicyclists.

— Avoid “dooring” a bicyclist. Never open a car door without first checking for passing traffic.

For bicyclists:

— Michigan law states that bicyclists must ride with traffic and follow the rules of the road; use hand signals when turning or stopping; obey traffic signals, signs and roadway markings; and ride with no more than two bicycles side by side.

— Additionally, bicyclists must have a white light on the front of the bicycle and a red reflector on the back of the bicycle when riding in low light and when it is dark.

— Just as seat belts help save lives in motor vehicle crashes, bicycle helmets save lives as well. When bicycling, riders should always wear a correctly fitting helmet.

— Compared to vehicles, bicyclists are harder to see because of their smaller size. To make it easier for drivers to see, bicyclists should wear high-visibility safety gear, such as a vest or jacket.

— Bicyclists should never text, listen to music or do anything that can distract from keeping their eyes, ears and concentration on the road and traffic.

For more information on bicyclist safety, go online to Michigan.gov/BikeSafe.