A bicycle-safety campaign encouraging motorists and bicyclists to “Share Our Streets” is under way in Long Beach and on the Web.
The campaign, also called “SOS,” is funded by a grant from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority as well as in-kind support from Long Beach Transit. The campaign is being carried out by Bike Long Beach, a program of the Long Beach Public Works Department.
The campaign aims to prevent bicycle-related accidents by making bicyclists and motorists aware of five safe-riding and driving practices The campaign features a wide variety of multimedia and outdoor components including street banners, advertisements in local publications, public transit posters, public safety announcements movie theaters and a newly revamped website at bikelongbeach.org .
The five violations responsible for more than 80 percent of bicycle-related accidents since 2002 are:
• Bicyclist riding on the wrong side of the road against oncoming traffic
• Bicyclist making an unpredictable and hazardous move (darting in front of a moving vehicle)
• Bicyclist running a stop light or stop sign
• Motorist running a stop light or stop sign
• Motorist making a right or left turn in front of a moving bicycle.
“The data shows that the two most common types of incidents are bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road and automobiles making turns without being aware of bicyclists,” said Allan Crawford, bike coordinator for the City of Long Beach. “The Share Our Streets campaign aims to help bicyclists better understand how they play a vital role in their own safety and to remind motorists to stay alert for the growing number of bicyclists who have the same right rights and responsibilities on Long Beach streets as motorists” .
Local organizations, businesses and schools can find a Share Our Streets “SOS” toolkit online with downloadable materials and order forms to request free safety-education materials and bicycle racks. Bicycle and pedestrian training “rodeos” may be scheduled as well. The website also features safety instruction and information about “know-your-neighborhood” bike tours. Community members are also welcome to contribute to the website’s events calendar, links pages and blog.
Source: City of LB
