![[Fort Scott Tribune]](http://www.fstribune.com/images/nameplate.gif)
Print
Email link
Respond to editor
Read comments (3)
 Adam Arnold, 14, Fort Scott demonstrates the proper use of bicycle safety equipment including the use of a helmet, elbow pads and knee pads while riding his bike Wednesday afternoon in downtown Fort Scott. Rayma Silvers/ Tribune Photo [Click to enlarge] |
At 10:03 a.m. on Monday, July 14, an area resident, whos name has not been released, exited her driveway on her bicycle. Although the bicyclist took every precaution recommended, she could not stop the tragedy that was about to befall her. However, her willingness to follow the suggested safety rules may have saved her life, according to information provided by Fort Scott police.
As the rider made her way up Margrave Street, a vehicle coming from behind her, blinded by a slight curve in the road, hit the cyclist knocking her to the ground, According to the FSPD. The rider was flown to the hospital by helicopter, but partially due to the protective helmet she was wearing, was released the same day.
According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, www.ksdot.org, bicyclists in Kansas are required to follow the same road rules as motorists.
"Please ride safely, be courteous to other roadway users, and abide by all Kansas traffic laws," KDOT said. "Always ride a well-maintained bicycle and know your riding limitations. You should be able to ride comfortably with minimal strain at least half of the total distance planned to be covered each day of your tour."
KDOT strongly encourages all bicyclists to wear helmets approved by the American National Standards Institute; the American Society for Testing and Materials; or the Snell Memorial Foundation. When traveling by bicycle, riders should ride on paved shoulders, which are at least three feet wide whenever possible. It is important for cyclists to ride with the flow of traffic.
"Ride with the normal traffic flow and ride to the right side of the roadway," KDOT said. "If lane width allows, stay within two feet from the curb or roadway edge which will allow you maneuvering space to avoid debris or potholes. Lane markings are for your safety and benefit."
Bicycle riders should avoid making sudden movements by acting predictably and not surprising motorists. Also, if there are several riders in a group, it is important to travel single file on the right side of the roadway.
(Advertisement)
|
"Wear brightly colored clothing and have reflectors on your bicycle," KDOT said. "When riding after dusk, the bicycle must be equipped with a white light visible at least 500 feet ahead and have a reflector visible at least 500 feet to the rear. A flag is useful in increasing your visibility on rural roads."
According to KDOT, riding defensively can help a cyclist avoid dangerous situations.
"Maintain a safety first attitude. In a crash, whether your fault or not your fault, you lose. Use all your abilities to protect yourself," KDOT said.
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please 
Human Services Website: www.MoBikeFed.org Mission: Bicycling and walking and currently underserved in Missouri. There are approximately 2 million bicyclists and 5.8 million pedestrians in Missouri. Yet Missourians walk and bicycle at about half the national average.... Read more
Bicycling and walking and currently underserved in Missouri. There are approximately 2 million bicyclists and 5.8 million pedestrians in Missouri. Yet Missourians walk and bicycle at about half the national average. Our goal is to improve infrastructure, policies, programs, and public attitudes to make it safer, easier, and more socially acceptable to bicycle and walk for transportation and recreation. Programs: Bicycle news, educational and safety information, and advocacy alerts through the MoBikeFed web site; membership on numerous committees and groups that affect bicycle and pedestrian funding and policy in Missouri; legislative advocacy with the Missouri General Assembly in Jefferson City; bicycle education; media relations.
Patrol urges cyclists, drivers to use caution
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Nevada Daily Mail
Summer months and higher fuel prices appear to be bringing more bicyclists to Missouri's roadways; so, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding drivers and riders that Missouri has several laws related to riding a bicycle.
Riding a bicycle on the sidewalk within a business district is prohibited; when riding a bicycle elsewhere upon a sidewalk, the bicycle rider shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give audible signal before overtaking and passing any pedestrian. Bicycle riders, when riding upon a street or highway, are granted all the rights and are subject to all the traffic regulations applicable to drivers of motor vehicles, except those that by their very nature do not apply.
A bicyclist is required to ride as near the right side of the roadway as is safe, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction; except when making a left turn, when the lane is too narrow to share with another vehicle, or when on a one-way street.
Bicyclists may ride abreast when not impeding other vehicles. Bicyclists must also obey all traffic signals and signs, the same as required of drivers of other vehicles. Use hand signals to let others know you will turn left, right, or stop.
When riding a bicycle after dark bicycles ridden must have the following:
* A white light mounted to the front of the bicycle or carried by the rider visible at 500 feet.
* A rear facing red reflector of at least two square inches or a red lamp visible at 600 feet.
* Reflective material and/or lights visible from the front and rear on any moving part of the bicycle's pedals or crank arms, or the bicyclist's shoes or lower legs, which can be seen at 200 feet.
* Reflective material and/or lights on each side of the bicycle or bicyclist visible at 300 feet.
A bicycle must be equipped with a brake or brakes that will enable its driver to stop the bicycle within 25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement.
Penalties for violations of this law range from not less than $5 to not more than $25 for people 17 years of age or older. For those under 17, a provision allows an officer witnessing a violation to impound the bicycle for a period not to exceed five days.
Although not required by state law, wearing a bicycle helmet while riding is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself. Between 70-80 percent of fatal bicycle crashes involved head injuries. Statistics show bicycle helmets are 85-88 percent effective in reducing total head and brain injuries. Be sure your helmet is the proper size, and adjust the straps for a snug fit.
When riding your bicycle, follow these important safety tips:
* Never carry passengers.
* Walk your bike across busy intersections.
* Don't hitch rides on other vehicles.
* Give pedestrians the right-of-way.
* Use horn or bell to warn those who may not see you.
* Don't perform stunts on streets or sidewalks.
* Keep both hands on the handlebars except when signaling.
* Wear light-colored or reflective clothing when riding after dark.
* Keep your bicycle in safe condition.
* Always ride with caution and courtesy.
"In 2007, nine people were killed and 548 injured in traffic crashes involving a bicycle," said Col. James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. "Please pay attention whether your driving a vehicle or riding a bicycle. Understand and obey the law and keep safety in mind."
© Copyright 2008, Nevada Daily Mail
Story URL: http://www.nevadadailymail.com/story/144...
I wish you had posted the part of the KDOT site that says that bicycles have all the rights and responsibilities of a vehicle. (And, yes, I acknowledge that there are a lot of jerks on two wheels who don't respect the last part of that sentence, just like there are a lot of jerks perched on four wheels.)
And, while it's courteous to not let traffic back up behind any slow-moving vehicle, whether it's a tractor, 18-wheeler going up a grade or a bicycle, none of those vehicles is required by law to dive for a ditch just because someone behind wants to go faster.
I'm a helmet wearer and here's a description of why:
http://www.palmbeachbiketours.com/2008/0...
On the other hand, magic foam hats are like parachutes: you only need one when something has gone tragically wrong - and wearing one doesn't always mean that you won't get hurt.
Your picture of the two kids riding with all the protective gear raises two questions:
1. Do their parents make them wear all that garb when they're in the car, where they are much more likely to be injured?
2. Do they know that they are more likely to be involved in a crash on the sidewalk because cars coming out of driveways and at intersections aren't looking for things moving at faster than walking speeds. (Arguably, I could have ended that sentence after "looking.")
This isn't an anti-car, anti-helmet rant. I'm just pointing out that bikes have a place on the road and that we all have to watch out for each other.