Watch out for bikers on Highway 68

You are likely going to see lots of bicyclists on Highway 68 this weekend as the Sea Otter Classic continues to heat up.

The event features roughly 10,000 riders, many of whom will be using Highway 68 as a warm up ride before their race or to get to the venue at Laguna Seca. With that all in mind, the California Highway Patrol is reminding everyone, whether you’re on two wheels or four, to share the road.

“Whether you are driver or a rider, share the responsible of keeping all roads safe,” said CHP Officer Oscar Loza.

The highway is only two lanes in most places which means it can be crowded even on a normal day, but now add dozens of bikers into the mix and it could be downright hectic.
“Drivers and bikers alike have to be very vigilant this weekend,” said Loza.

Vigilance is certainly something biking expert Grady Pace said is key.

“Be able to hear, listen and see what is going on around so you know when a car is going by you and is going to buzz you and that you are aware,” said Pace. “It is better to hit a ditch than another car.”

Pace is the founder of Trail LED, a bike light company, but he told KION that even beyond good bike lights, common courtesy could be the most important safety measure.

“Waving, saying ‘hi’ saying ‘thank you’ for passing with that margin of safety. It’s a big deal,” said Pace.

Pace also said sharing the road is a two way street whether you’re behind the handlebars or the steering wheel.

“If riders respect drivers and drivers respect riders it can make everything go a lot smoother.”

Safety is everywhere at this year’s Sea Otter Classic, from lights to cargo bikes.

“We make bikes that carry loads,” said Benjamin Sarrazin, the founder of Yuba. “A load
could be your groceries or your two young kids and it very important that your load doesn’t fall off.”

Still, the number one safety measure still seems to a helmet.

“Have a lid on,” said Pace. “I know it is not always the coolest thing to have. Most riders have accepted that a lid is a good thing to have. So yeah…have a helmet on.” Added Pace.

As for advice for drivers, CHP says drivers should double check mirrors and blind spots when turning because sometimes bikers can be hard to see.