PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact information:
Dr. Brent Hugh
Executive Director
Missouri Bicycle Federation
876-695-6736
director@MoBikeFed.org

SAME ROAD-SAME RULES-SAME RIGHTS FOR BICYCLISTS AND MOTORISTS ENFORCED
Share the Road Safety Task Force Emphasizes On-Road Bicycle Safety for Bicyclists and Motorists Sept 24-29

Enthusiasm generated by the Tour of Missouri, which brought out over a quarter million bicycling enthusiasts statewide, combined with beautiful weather mean that this fall may see a record number of bicyclists out on the roads of the metro area.

During the week of Sept 24-29, 2007, representatives of Kansas City’s Share the Road Safety Task Force will be educating and encouraging motorists and bicyclists about state and city laws for safe on-road bicycling in the metro area.

Area police forces will be enforcing traffic laws necessary for safe on-road operation by bicyclists and motorists operating with bicyclists.

“Cities around the country and the world have found that bicycling is a safe, fun, quick, and environmentally friendly way to get around town,” says Missouri Bicycle Federation Executive Director Brent Hugh.

“More people on bicycles means less congestion, less pollution, and more open parking spaces.  Cities that have worked to encourage bicycling have been able to reach 5-10% mode share for bicycle commuting–and that really makes a difference in a city.”

Summaries and details of Missouri traffic laws related to bicycling can be found online:

http://mobikefed.org/statutes.html

5 Tips for Bicyclists
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* Wear safety gear. Always wear a helmet. Sunglasses, gloves and bike shorts are a good idea, too.

* Obey the law. Not stopping at a stop sign or making an abrupt maneuver is dangerous and makes motorists feel that a bicyclist isn’t being fair.

* Move out into the traffic lane as necessary for safety. Don’t ride closer than 3 feet to parked cars or the gutter. Many cyclists have been injured or killed when thrown to the ground in a traffic lane by a suddenly opened car door or by cracks and debris near the gutter.

* People in cars have someplace to go . . . don’t hold them up without a good reason.

* Night-time is six times more dangerous than daytime–simply because bicyclists, as a rule, are not well lit. Night-time cyclists should have bright lights front and rear, besides reflectors and/or reflective clothing.

5 Tips for Motorists
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* See cyclists: Taking just a quick glance, you might see the the school bus but miss the 12-year-old cyclist near the road’s edge. Really look, both directions, before pulling out.

* Remember that the same laws that allow motorists to use the roads allow bicyclists the same privilege. In Missouri and Kansas, as in all 50 states, bicycles have the same rights (and responsibilities!) as any other vehicle.

* Please don’t squeeze: When passing a cyclist, wait until you have room to pass safely. Squeezing past a cyclist isn’t safe for you or for the cyclist.

* Cyclists are going somewhere, too . . . give them the same courtesy you give anyone else on the road, and most cyclists will return the favor.

* Slow for blind curves and hills: If you can’t see ahead, then anything–a stalled car, a bicyclist, a pedestrian, a tree trunk–might be there. State law and common sense says slow down when you can’t see ahead.

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The Missouri Bicycle Federation, founded in 1994, represents the interests of bicyclists, walkers, runners, and trail users throughout Missouri.  Through its network of affiliated clubs and groups, MoBikeFed represents over 15,000 Missouri citizens.  Find out more or join the federation at MoBikeFed.org

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