admin posted on May 18, 2010 07:07
Bike to Work Week Promotes a Clean, Green Commute
RALEIGH — With more and more commuters looking for alternative ways to get to work, the N.C. Department of Transportation is encouraging people to try bicycling during National Bike to Work Week, May 17-21.
Bike to Work Week is a program of the League of American Bicyclists, the nation’s oldest bicycle advocacy organization, and is one of many events held nationwide as part of Bicycle Safety Month.
"We urge bicyclists and motorists to be courteous and obey traffic laws, signs, and signals as they "Share the Road" on N.C.'s streets and highways this week and at all times of the year,” said Tom Norman, Bicycle and Pedestrian division director for NCDOT.
There are Bike to Work Week events planned across the state in both urban and rural areas. These events include bike clinics, informational exhibits and races. NCDOT will provide information about events in various communities on its Twitter feed and Facebook page. The week culminates with the Bike to Work Day on May 21.
North Carolina law defines a bicycle as a vehicle, which gives bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers. NCDOT reminds bicyclists and motorists to obey all traffic laws and use caution.
NCDOT encourages bicyclists to follow these safety tips when riding on the road:
• Always wear a bicycle helmet;
• Ride on the right-hand side of the road, in the same direction as other vehicles;
• Obey all traffic signs and signals;
• Properly signal all movements and make sure movements can be made safely;
• Yield to drivers and pedestrians, as appropriate; and
• When riding at dawn, dusk or night, use extra caution. Be sure to use a headlight visible from a distance of 300 feet and a red reflector visible at a distance of 200 feet, as well as wear reflective clothing.
NCDOT also urges motorists to follow these safety tips when encountering bicyclists:
• Keep a lookout for oncoming bicyclists when turning left and wait for them to clear the intersection before completing your turn;
• After passing a bicyclist on your right, take care not to cut them off by immediately turning right in front of them;
• Slow down when passing a bicyclist to make sure the rider is aware of your presence and leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the bicyclist;
• Stay alert for bicyclists who suddenly swerve or turn in front of you; and
• Yield to bicyclists, when appropriate, as you would for other motor vehicles.
In a continuing effort to bring understanding to the urgent need for motorists and bicyclists to “Share the Road,” NCDOT and the N.C. Bicycle Committee have produced a Bicycle Safety Month poster. The poster is attached, and is also available to order or download through the Bicycle and Pedestrian division Web site at http://www.ncdot.gov/bikeped/safetyeducation/default.html.
For more information on National Bike to Work Week visit www.bikeleague.org. Information on local events can be found by contacting your local parks and recreation department or visiting the following sites:
• Wake County: www.campo-nc.us/BPSG/BPSG_Home.htm
• Triangle area: www.gotriangle.org/bike-walk/BTWW-Cities
• Greensboro: www.bikegso.org/ or www.cyclesdeoro.com/calendar.htm
• Charlotte: www.weeklyrides.com
• Asheville: http://alltrails.com/event/2010/05/bike-to-work-week-earn-prizes
***NCDOT***
Julia Merchant
Communications Officer
North Carolina Department of Transportation
919.733.2522
jcmerchant@ncdot.gov