Robert Johnson of the PedNet coalition sent the following announcement today:
The Columbia Police Department (CPD) will be conducting Operation Share the Road throughout the month of October. This campaign is a result of CPD participation in a recent training session designed to clarify cyclists and motorist rights and responsibilities as they pertain to joint roadway use.
Robert Johnson, LCI, Education Coordinator with GetAbout Columbia, provided training for all 150 CPD officers. The GetAbout Columbia program is working to decrease the number of motor vehicle trips and to encourage more people to bike or walk as a form of transportation. "Both inexperienced and experienced cyclists running red lights or riding on downtown district sidewalks can make for a frustrating situation for motorists and law abiding cyclists alike," Johnson stated. "My hope is that this campaign will help educate cyclists and motorists that sharing the road is everyone's responsibility."
This campaign is based on the recognition that cyclists and motorists are equally responsible for road safety. The primary goals of Operation Share the Road will be to enforce city and state statutes regarding rights and duties of a bicycle or motor vehicle operator including:
• Cyclists use of a white, front-facing light and red, rear-facing reflector in low light situations • The need to obey all traffic devices including stop signs and red lights • Riding upon sidewalks within a business district is illegal • Cyclists must ride in the same direction of traffic • Motorists should not harass bicyclists by honking or shouting at them • Motorists have the responsibility to pass bicyclists only when it is safe to do so
Drivers often do not understand that a cyclist is granted all rights applicable to motor vehicles. This includes a cyclist's right to control the lane when conditions warrant and the need for motorists to maintain an adequate distance until it is safe to pass. This lack of understanding often results in unsafe passing and harassment by honking or shouting at cyclists.
During the month of October the Columbia Police Department will be making contact with violators when possible in enforcing traffic law violations by cyclists. Captain Monticelli, Patrol Commander of the Columbia Police Department sees the importance of both cyclists and motorists in following the rules of the road for the safety of all.
Call Robert Johnson at (573)442-7189 ext. 28 for questions regarding city or state bicycle laws. Contact Officer Jeff Westbrook at (573) 874-7578 for more information about Operation Share the Road.
