By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Ohio has passed a law giving bicyclists a bigger share of the road.
House Bill 154, signed by Gov. John Kasich, states that when a motor vehicle passes a bicycle, the safe passing distance to the left should be three feet or greater. The law also states that when a bicyclist encounters a traffic signal that is not triggered by a bike, that rider can legally proceed with care.
Bowling Green officials and cyclists have been working to make city streets safer for two-wheeled travelers through education efforts.
“It’s important to educate cyclists, but it’s also important to educate motorists,” Steve Langendorfer, chairman of the city’s Bicycle Safety Commission, said recently during the group’s monthly meeting.
Bicyclists have the same rights and the same responsibilities as drivers of motorized vehicles, he reminded.
Last year, the city invited the YaY Bikes program to the community to teach how cars and bicycles can co-exist on the same roadways. The program promotes safe cycling through engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, evaluation and engagement.
“It seems that there’s a need for this ongoing education,” Langendorfer said.
The city has also added language to its electronic signs stating that “bikes may use full lanes.”
Now Bowling Green cyclers will soon be asked to join in a ride that takes place annually throughout the state.
The city has been asked to join in the statewide “Ride of Silence” program. Keith Webb, coordinator of the We Are Traffic organization in Toledo, asked if Bowling Green might be interested in hosting its own “Ride of Silence.” The commission agreed.
The purpose of the annual ride is to honor and remember those injured and killed while bicycling, Webb said. The events are often used to educate communities, he added.
The ride is always held on the third Wednesday of May, so this year’s will be May 17. Webb suggested that local coordinators meet with the police division to come up with a route that is seven or eight miles long.
“The key is exposure. You want motorists to see you,” Webb said.
Prior to the community ride, commission members discussed offering more bicyclist training, so people are more comfortable riding city streets.
The city has also looked at constructing bike lanes and other accommodations for bicyclists, but have found the costs to be so great that any physical improvements would be limited.
“It always sounds really cool – then you see the price tag,” said Jason Sisco, city engineer.
In other business at last month’s meeting, it was noted that six new bike racks are being installed throughout the city for public use.
The next meeting of the bicycle commission will be Feb. 21 at 6 p.m., in the city building.
