EVANSVILLE, Ind. — As the weather warms up and more people take to the trails, the Evansville Police Department’s (EPD) Bike Patrol is stepping up its efforts to ensure the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians in the area. The department’s Crime Prevention Unit is emphasizing the importance of bike safety, especially with the increase in cycling activity during the spring season.
According to Officer Andrew Smith of the EPD, there were 27 motor vehicle accidents involving bicycles last year, with 26 of those resulting in injuries. Smith pointed out that the primary cause of most bicycle-related accidents is driver inattention.
“Many of these crashes are due to distracted driving—whether it’s from cell phones, eating, or just not paying attention to the road,” Smith said. “As more people cycle this season, it’s crucial that both drivers and cyclists remain vigilant.”
The National Safety Council reports that preventable deaths from bicycle-related incidents increased by 1% in 2023, with the number of fatalities rising by 53% over the last decade. This upward trend has prompted authorities to take action and remind the public of the importance of safety.
Officer Smith is urging cyclists, particularly parents of young children, to wear appropriate safety gear. He strongly recommends helmets, along with elbow and knee pads for younger riders.
“We’ve seen some bad accidents where people hit their heads, so I strongly recommend wearing a helmet,” Smith stressed.
In addition to safety gear, cyclists are reminded to follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles. This includes stopping at stop signs, signaling turns, and using the required bike lighting: a red reflector or light on the back and a white light on the front.
As part of its ongoing efforts, the EPD’s Bike Patrol will begin official street patrols on April 11. However, officers will be active in the community before then, attending local events to promote awareness and safety.
The patrol team consists of eight officers, with additional officers who are certified in bike patrols being deployed for special events throughout the spring and summer months.
By increasing their presence and outreach, the EPD hopes to reduce accidents and raise awareness about the importance of safe biking practices during the busy spring season.
