Summer, with its warm days and balmy nights, is a popular time for many Lawrencians to take their bike out for a ride. Unfortunately, it’s also the peak season for cycling-related accidents.

As more bicycles join cars on area streets, it’s more important than ever to know how to safely share the road, says Dan Hughes, owner of Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop in downtown Lawrence.

“Just be aware that in the summer more people are going to be out there,” Hughes says. “Know the laws, respect the laws, respect each other and just use common sense.”

Though the Lawrence Police Department doesn’t have statistics available on the number of accidents involving bicycles, Sgt. Trent McKinley said such accidents usually resulted from “right-of-way issues.”

Kansas laws basically give cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. David Hamby, a member of the Lawrence-Douglas County Bicycle Advisory Committee, keeps this in mind every time he hops on his bike.

“I try to act like a vehicle,” Hamby says.

That includes signaling when making a turn and coming to a full stop at stop signs.

Hughes says cutting in line at a stop sign is one of the most frequent mistakes he’s seen from cyclists. When behind a queue of cars, cyclists should wait their turn and avoid the temptation to pass on the right.

Also, “one of the most dangerous things is passing a bicyclist and immediately turning right,” Hamby says. “That’s called a right hook.”

With the city’s ongoing construction projects, Hughes says this summer in particular has proved a challenge for travelers. While cyclists are allowed to ride pretty much anywhere — with the exception of interstate highways and downtown sidewalks — Hughes advises riders to stay clear of busy roadways like Iowa, Sixth and 23rd streets.

Riding at night poses its own dangers. In accordance with state laws, cyclists must have a lamp on the front of their bikes that emits a white light visible from 500 feet. A red reflector that can be seen by a driver from at least 100 feet must be affixed on the back of bicycles.

The brighter you are, the safer you’ll be, Hamby and Hughes agree.

“Make yourself as visible as you can. Ride predictably,” Hamby says. “You gotta look out for yourself because not everybody’s looking out for you.”