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How Bangor is working to keep cyclists safe on local roads

There's only one designated bike lane in Bangor, on State Street, but the city is working to make its infrastructure more bicycle-friendly.

BANGOR, Maine — June 3 is "World Bicycle Day," and people in Bangor are working to keep bike riders safe on the road.

It’s a day to celebrate the benefits of riding bikes, but there are also some safety risks that come with it.

According to the Maine Department of Transportation, five bicyclists in Bangor have been struck by motor vehicles so far this year, compared to six in all of 2023.

People in Bangor are working to lower that number and protect bike riders from accidents.

"The issue now is that we have these small, segmented bikeways that don't really allow someone to get from point A to point B in a way that they feel safe for the entire journey," Erik daSilva, associate education director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine said.

In addition to teaching people how to ride bikes safely, daSilva runs Bangor’s Earn-a-Bike program, helping low-income families access bicycles.

He said he has seen many kids' bikes go from being just toys to being necessary for commuting.

"There are people that really need their bikes year-round, and they're the most vulnerable because they're putting themselves out there regardless of the weather, and regardless of the infrastructure," daSilva said.

Right now in Bangor there is only one bike lane on State Street.

The city is working to make roads safer for bikes in some of its new projects.

"There's going to be a compromise in a lot of locations, trying to accommodate all users of the roadway," John Theriault, Bangor's city engineer said.

One new project is on Ohio St. where cyclists and pedestrians are being prioritized.

"That’s about half a mile of new sidewalk and new shoulder that's designated for bicyclists," Theriault said.

Jason Neal, the owner of Slipping Gears Cycling in Bangor said for cyclists, there’s safety in numbers—the more people that bike, the more drivers will be aware of them.

"People ride it for transportation, they ride it for exercise, some people ride it for their mental wellbeing, burn whatever is going on in their mind off while they're on their way home, it's great," Neal said.

According to Neal, the best way to stay safe while biking is to be predictable and aware of your surroundings. Stay in the right lane, use hand signals, wear bright colors, and wear a helmet.

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