Austin Bike Safety 101
by Adam Wolotira (LIVESTRONG Intern)2 Comments
May is Austin?s Bike Month! Program Consultant for the Department of Public Works for the City of Austin; Annick, and Outreach Specialist; Nadia, gave a presentation to LAF associates on bike safety and what the city of Austin is doing to make Austin the most biker friendly city in America. To start off the presentation, Annick outlined where Austin ranks among the countries most biker friendly cities, Austin was given a silver level award by the League of American Bicyclist?s list of Bicycle Friendly Communities, citing the more than 6,000 commuters who choose to brave Austin?s hectic roads on a bicycle every day. Annick also proudly announced, with much mirth and merriment I might add, that the Lance Armstrong Bikeway was 90% completed, a project that will allow cyclists to navigate Austin from east to west starting at Veterans Dr. at Lake Austin Blvd. and ending on the west side of town at the Montopolis Bridge at US183 on the east side.
At the conclusion of the presentation, I was able to interview both Annick and Nadia about what commuters and cyclists alike can do to be safer on our roads. Annick recommended that we all get involved with local representatives and cycling organizations to help to get more cyclists on the road, and to become more informed as commuters on safety rules and regulations. Second, Annick urges the timid to get out there and ride, Austin can?t become the most cyclist friendly city in the US, without friendly cyclists! Finally, Annick recommends that all prospective bicycle commuters sign up for the Traffic Skills 101 course offered by the Austin Cycling Association.
Austin Outreach Specialist Nadia also had a few tips for Austin commuters. She wanted to remind all Austin motor commuters to be kind to our bicycling counterparts, be patient, and give them space. Just recently the city of Austin passed a law requiring all motorists to give cyclists three feet of room when traveling on city streets. It?s also a good idea to make sure you check behind you before you open your car door when parking in places adjacent to bike lanes. Doorways, not doors, are designed to be traveled through.
As Austin?s bike month comes to a close, the City of Austin would like to invite fellow Austinites to the 1st annual bike month closing celebration on Sunday, June 6, at the Zilker Rock Garden (above the hillside theatre) from 2-8pm to enjoy live music, free food, and free beer. Safe biking!
For a full look at my interview with Annick and Nadia.
For a look at the City of Austin?s plans, projects, and resources for bicyclists, go to http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/publicworks/ncd.htm
To sign up for Traffic Skills 101 go to www.austincycling.org/classes
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