Don't Be a Victim

Air Date: Friday, October 19, 2007 

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Bike Safety

South Florida was made for outdoor sports among the most popular cycling, but with all the traffic and construction going on, accidents are on the rise. Tonight, how you can avoid a bike accident? In tonights Don't be a Victim.

The wind is in your face, the adrenaline pumping, and a pure rush and for cyclist enthusiast Fernando Angel this has been part of his life for 22 years.

Fernando Angel: "I love it because it's healthy."

Fernando is a member of Miami Masters, a group that rides almost every day. They have seen the dangers first hand.

Fernando Angel: "Cars and bikes don't mix, but they have to realize that their are laws to cover them and their are laws to cover us."

30 cyclists were hit by a car near Kendall this summer. Some injuries were so sever that one cyclist wasn't able to return to work for weeks. That accident should be a warning for all cyclists.

Sgt. Javier Bruzos: "It really showed how vulnerable bike riders really are."

Sgt. Javier Bruzos of Coral Gables Police says Don't be a Victim. There are four deadly mistakes bikers make. The first one he calls the red light of death.

Sgt. Javier Bruzos: "You are next to a car stopped at a red light and your intention is to go straight while the car makes a right turn in front of you and strikes you."

You have to watch out for the car; don't expect them to watch you. Instead, stay behind the vehicle that way you can react if they make a sudden turn.

Number two:

Sgt. Javier Bruzos: "The door prize is when you are trying to pass a car or a parked car and the door automatic swings open, and you wind up striking the door."

To avoid the door prize, stay as far to the left as possible and look at the parked cars for people inside.

Number three:

Sgt. Javier Bruzos: "What is referd to as the right cross. What that is, is when you are riding a bicycle and there is car that comes in a perpendicular direction."

It happens most at intersections when a driver goes through at the same time you do. Make sure the coast is clear before you cross any intersection.

And forth most deadly mistake biker's make is called, the rear ender.

Sgt. Javier Bruzos: "When you move over to the left a little too much, when you are automatically interfering with traffic that's coming from behind."

Sgt. Bruzos says, this one is easy to avoid. Stay out of the traffic lanes and wait for cars to pass.

Sgt. Javier Bruzos: "Its always allot easier for a bicyclist to come to a complete stop, than it is for a car."

Ultimately your safety depends on being aware and understanding your vulnerability.