1 NOV 2004: Be Nice to MoDOT Month

November is the month to give thanks, and so every November is the Missouri Bicycle Federation's "Be Nice to MoDOT Month".

Heaven knows that MoDOT comes in for plenty of criticism and no doubt some of it is well deserved.

But, as the old saying goes, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar, and November is the month to put out some good honey for MoDOT or your local public works department.

MoDOT is really moving in the right direction in better bicycle and pedestrian friendly policies, so if MoDOT roads, bridges, or overpasses in your area have been worked on, you may notice new sidewalks, new shoulders, bike-safe drain grates, and the like.

Letting MoDOT know that you appreciate these improvements is one important way you can encourage more bicycle and pedestrian accommodation in the future.

Remember that MoDOT roads include:

• Federal interstates and highways (I-70, US40)
  
• State roads (350 Hwy)
  
• Any route designated with a letter (Route V, BB, W, etc.)
  
• Any overpass over/under these routes (ie, any bridges over an interstate freeway)

You can easily register your "Be Nice to MoDOT Month" comments on MoDOT's feedback form or by calling 1-800-ASK-MODOT.

Mentioning specific locations (city, county, etc.) will help the message reach right person.