PRESS RELEASE: Bicycle, Pedestrian Law Enforcement Campaign Apr 16-17

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/15/2008

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


Campaign enforces road safety laws for bicyclists, pedestrians, motorists April 16-17, 2008

"With warm weather, out come the bicyclists, pedestrians, runners, and children," said Missouri Bicycle Federation Executive Director Brent Hugh. "They've been hibernating since last October and drivers have all but forgotten about them."

"It seems like every year, drivers need a little reminder to watch out for their neighbors on two feet and two wheels," said Hugh. "It only takes a few seconds to slow down in a neighborhood or school zone, or to pass a bicyclist safely. We forget that the consequence of a few moments impatience in an automobile can be deadly."

Over 43,000 Americans were killed in traffic collisions last year. In many industrialized, first-world nations the traffic fatality and injury rates are 50-75% lower.
"The difference is in their driving culture," said Hugh. "Drivers know that they most operate safely or lose their driving privileges. So they just do it--and it really saves lives."

"We are throwing away 20,000-30,000 American lives each year simply because of careless and impatient driving habits," said Hugh.

Law enforcement officers will conduct a traffic safety education and enforcement event on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at the northeast intersection of 51st Street and Rockhill Road. Volunteers will distribute informational materials to the public and officers will issue citations to motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists not observing the rules of the road.

A press conference will be held at 10:00 a.m.
Several communities around the region will coordinate similar education and enforcement activities on the following day, April 17. Participating cities include Grandview, Leavenworth, Leawood and Parkville.

The enforcement campaign is organize by the Kansas City Share the Road Safety Task Force, http://sharetheroadkc.com/ The Missouri Bicycle Federation is a member and supportr of the Task Force.

SPRING SAFETY TIPS FOR CYCLISTS, PEDESTRIANS, MOTORISTS

Cyclists:
* Wear proper safety gear, especially a helmet
* Obey all traffic laws, signs and signals
* Never ride against traffic - ride with the flow
* Don't forget lights at night, dusk, and dawn - they are required by law


Motorists: * Reduce speed when passing bicyclists
* Give bicyclists adequate space to maneuver - typically allow for 3 feet
* Don't blast your horn when approaching cyclists - startling them can cause an accident
* Stop for pedestrian at crosswalks and intersections - it's the law

Pedestrians:
* Cross the street at marked crosswalks and intersections whenever possible.
* Be aware of your surroundings ­ watch for vehicles turning or backing out of parking spaces and driveways
* Use pedestrian pushbuttons to activate/extend the walk signal. Never enter a crosswalk when a signal displays a solid or flashing Don't Walk message
* Use sidewalks. If there are none, walk facing traffic so you see vehicles, and drivers see you

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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 and speaks for the 2 million Missourians who bicycle regularly and the 5.8 million who walk.

The Missouri Bicycle Federation is working to realize its vision of active transportation in Missouri by creating a world-class bicycle and pedestrian network in Missouri, building a movement around walking and bicycling, encouraging more walking and bicycling, and increasing safety for all road users.

Find out more or join the federation at http://MoBikeFed.org


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