Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Cycling Laws Gain Attention from Drivers and Bikers

Study Group in Jefferson County to Analyze Road Safety Issues




The Jefferson County Commission will be creating a new focus group to analyze and interpret many of the issues raised during several meetings conducted regarding public road safety between cyclists, motorcycle drivers, as well as standard motorists.

The bulk of the participants were cyclists, though individuals representing an array of driving factions were present at the meetings.

Donald Rosier, Jefferson County Commissioner, said a group of 11 would be formed with approximately one month to analyze and create solutions to the problems created by an influx of cyclists over the last 10 years.

"Whether it's putting signage on the road that talks about the rules for both motorists and cyclists, or identifying hills you're about to ride, we need to take a real look at how we address what has become a large issue," Rosier explained.

The meetings were intended to raise awareness and education regarding the growing issues that are present when cyclists and motorists are forced to share the roadway. The various groups maintained a tranquil environment for debate and brainstorming.

"Everyone was well-behaved, and Rosier was very receptive," said Kelly Garrod, road-safety-advocacy chairman with Team Evergreen.

A sheriff from Jefferson County Sheriff's Office was present to disseminate statistics regarding cyclist-motorist conflicts, which helped shape the discussion and lead Garrod and Rosier to the same conclusion. Education is the key.

"From cyclists, it came out that a lot of the cyclists don't really understand the laws. People have different interpretations of what the 3-foot law means," Garrod said in reference to the state law that requires motorists to allow 3 feet between their auto and a cyclist when passing.

If you are injured in a bicycle-car accident, or any car accident in the greater Denver area, call The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger, P.C. for a free initial consultation. We help injured people - it's all we do!

Source: Jefferson County creating group to study roadway safety issues

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