Spring is a time to renew our commitment to watching out for bicyclists and pedestrians. The city's expanded cycling program has nearly doubled the number of bicycles on the road. And bicycle and pedestrian accidents in New York City claim an average of 200 lives a year.

The New York City Department of Transportation reports cycling has increased by more than 66 percent over the past two years as the city has worked to expand its cycling infrastructure and reduce congestion.

Last year's improvements included 30 miles of new bike trails, representing completion of the 3-year plan to build 200 bike-lane miles across all five boroughs. The project expands the city's cycling infrastructure to a total of 620 lane miles and more than 8,700 bicycle racks.

Additionally, a new law requires commercial building owners to provide cyclists with secure parking in or near their workplaces.

Staying safe requires a partnership among motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. A total of 23 people were killed in New York City bicycle accidents in 2008, according to the New York City Department of Health.

Rules of the Road:
-Cyclists must obey all traffic lights and signals
-Cyclists should yield to pedestrians
-Bicycles are not permitted to be ridden on the sidewalk
-Cyclists must ride with the direction of traffic
-Use lights at night; white front lights, red tail lights and a bell are required by law
-Wear a helmet
-Avoid being caught on the inside of a turning car
-Stay visible and do not weave in and out of traffic
-Look, signal and look again
-Watch for opening car doors