May is National Bike Month, which means that safety advocates and lawmakers are boosting their efforts to reduce bicycle accidents here in California and across the country. The month is jam packed with events designed to increase ridership and improve bicycle safety on city streets and highways. Thursday May 12, for example, is perhaps the most celebrated National Bike Month event: Bike to Work Day. Thousands of Americans will celebrate by getting a little sweaty on their bicycles on their way to work.

In addition, lawmakers nationwide will continue their push for bicycle safety by introducing laws like Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's plan for a California-wide bicycle helmet law. And technology companies are even developing software that will help improve bicycle safety. But cyclists should not rely on these methods to keep the roads safe. That's why the best bicycle safety training starts at a young age, by teaching children to obey all traffic signs, wear the appropriate safety equipment, and share the road.

Enjoy National Bike Month, and do your part to reduce preventable bicycle accidents.