Injuries mar Bike to Work Week

At least two bicycle injuries in the Kansas City area and two in the Farmington area have been reported during Bike to Work Week 2007.

Luckily none of the injuries is very serious.

But they do point up the need to make our roads safer for all users--pedestrians, bicyclists, the disabled, and motorists.

Note how many of these incidents happened on state roads--and then please spend two minutes asking MoDOT to build streets that meet the needs of ALL users.

An editorial from Tuesday's Kansas City Star sums up the situation:

Cycling is often a joyful activity. But bicycle riders will gather tonight in
Brookside for a somber purpose.

The third annual "ride of silence" will mourn cyclists killed on the roads and raise awareness of the hazards posed as increasing numbers of people take up biking for recreation and commuting.

At least five cyclists were killed last year in the metropolitan area.

Cities and state transportation departments need to do more to ensure safety by building more trails and bike lanes. Drivers must be alert for bicycles and remember that, under laws in Missouri and Kansas, a bicycle generally has the same rights to the road as a motor vehicle.

The memorial ride will begin at 7 p.m. at 62nd Terrace and Brookside Boulevard. Participants will wear armbands and remain silent during the ride.

Their message is a powerful one, however. Motorists and city planners should listen up.