The League of American Bicyclists Ranks Ohio 16th on this year's list of bike-friendly states, up from 32nd last year. The organization representing riders says the ranking is based on Ohio's support of bicycle laws, infrastructure and safety. Washington state is ranked number one. This is National Bike Safety Month, which encourages riders and motorists to put safety first. Events will be held in cities around the country, including Bike to Work Week starting on May 12th and Bike to Work Day on May 16th. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 726 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles in 2012, a 6.5 percent increase from the previous year. 49 thousand were injured. 69 percent of bicycle fatalities happen in urban areas. Safety experts like Cleveland Clinic physician Michael Macknin encourage bikers to wear a helmet in the proper manner.
Riders are also encouraged to wear reflective clothing, move in the same direction as traffic, and remember they must abide by the same traffic laws as motorists.