Joplin area group creates "Look" campaign to encourage safe driving, bicycling, walking, running

Some people in Joplin have gotten together to do something to make local roads safer for bicycling, walking, and running. The Joplin Globe writes:

Ruth Sawkins, founder of Rufus Racing, decided to do something about it.

“I thought, you know, we need to do something about this,” she said. “Enough is enough. A lot of other towns are doing campaigns, trying to raise awareness for cyclists, drivers and runners who share the road.”

So Rufus Racing kicked off a not-for-profit campaign called Look, with all proceeds going toward billboards, public service announcements, YouTube videos and other awareness-building efforts. The group also established a presence on Facebook at Look4States, and had the logo printed on cycling socks, shirts, key chains, bumper stickers and other items.

Since the campaign was kicked off in August, individuals and businesses have contributed $4,000.

“It was a tremendous response,” Sawkins said. “Everyone has told us it’s really needed.”

Six billboards — three in Joplin, one in Carthage, one in Webb City and one in Pittsburg, Kan. — were erected, and the area’s television stations have been running the PSAs.

They feature Morris, White, Jones’ sister and other local residents who have been hit by cars while riding bikes, or are active in cycling and running.

“Our main focus of this campaign is to get drivers to understand these are real people: someone’s friend, relative, grandma, mother, sister, brother,” Sawkins said. “These are people who are special to other people.”