News Release

May 1 , 2008

Ride safely – May is National Bicycle Safety Month

AMES, Iowa – You know the old saying that things get better with time – that's sure the case with National Bike Safety Month, celebrating 50 years of promoting safe cycling in the United States. In 1956 when Congress designated May as National Bicycle Safety Month, they could not have known how this transportation alternative would flourish in the decades to come.

In the most recent reauthorization of federal transportation funding, more than $50 billion was set aside for bicycle resources. Research funded by the National Sporting Goods Association pegged the U.S. bicycle industry at $5.8 billion in 2006, including the retail value of bicycles, related parts and accessories through all channels of distribution. Bicycle unit sales (for all bicycles, and for those with 20-inch wheels and above) for the U.S. , including both the dealer and mass-merchant channels, were 18.2 million in 200 6.

To celebrate the 50th National Bike Safety Month, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is promoting Bike to Work Week May 12-16 and Bike to Work Day Friday, May 16. Bike to Work Week encourages Iowans to try bicycle commuting, raises awareness of bicycle safety issues and advocates a healthy form of alternative transportation.

Depending on your current commute and riding experience, you may follow your routine route or choose an alternative route that is more bike-friendly. Consult the DOT's Iowa Transportation Map for Bicyclists to assist your route planning. The map shows bike trails and traffic levels on all paved roads, as well as insets of Iowa 's 16 largest cities. It is available online at www.iowabikes.com or by calling 515-242-4705 or 800-345-4692.

As a rule of thumb, riding your bike to work will take about twice as long as driving, but even if you spend an extra 20 or 30 minutes riding, that is time that you don't have to spend in a stuffy gym. If you're a cyclist, it's an easy way to fit in daily training.

Once you have made the decision to try bicycle commuting, make sure you have the proper equipment and practice safe riding skills.

The best way to educate motorists on bicyclists' rights to the road is to ride respectfully and have facts on your side. Here are some safe cycling tips.

•  Obey traffic signs and signals - Bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as drivers of other vehicles.

•  Never ride against traffic - Motorists aren't looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road. State law and common sense require that bicyclists drive like drivers of other vehicles.

•  Follow lane markings - Don't turn left from the right lane. Don't go straight in a lane marked “right-turn only.”

•  Don't pass on the right - Motorists may not look for or see a bicycle passing on the right.

•  Scan the road behind you - Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving. Some riders use rear-view mirrors.

•  Keep both hands ready to brake - You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, since breaks are less efficient when wet.

•  Wear a helmet and never ride with headphones - Always wear a helmet. Never wear a headphone while riding a bike.

•  Use hand signals - Hand signals tell motorists and pedestrians what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, courtesy and self-protection.

•  Choose the best way to turn left – There are two choices: (1) Like an auto: signal to move into the left-turn lane and then turn left. (2) Like a pedestrian: ride straight to the far side crosswalk. Walk your bike across.

•  Make eye contact with drivers - Assume that other drivers don't see you until you are sure that they do. Eye contact is important with any driver that might pose a threat to your safety.

•  Look out for road hazards - Watch out for parallel-slat sewer grates, gravel, ice, sand or debris. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.

•  Use lights at night - The law requires a white headlight (visible from at least 500 feet ahead) and a rear reflector or taillight (visible up to 300 feet from behind).

•  Keep your bike in good repair - Adjust your bike to fit you and keep it working properly. Check brakes and tires regularly. Routine maintenance is simple and you can learn to do it yourself.

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