Story Published:
Sep 25, 2008 at 2:06 PM CST
Story Updated:
Sep 26, 2008 at 8:26 AM CST
Cyclists in the Northland say they've noticed more and more people hitting the streets on two wheels.
That means motorists need to pay even more attention... and cyclists need to follow some rules.
Tiffany Tarrolly explains the dangers of cycling, and what bicyclists and motorists must do to keep each other safe.
Meet Dudley Edmundson.
"I got into very serious cycling, using it as an alternate form of transportation probably about five or 6 years ago," said Dudley
Even in the dead of winter, Dudley bikes everywhere he can.
But being a cyclist can be dangerous.
"I've had a couple close calls. I think that a lot of times it's when a motorist isn't paying attention," said Susan Koschak, coordinator for Bike, Walk Duluth.
"I'm not sure if they understand how close they come sometimes," Dudley said.
So there's one major law for Minnesota motorists to follow: give bicyclists at least three feet of room.
"I mean if you were passing a car would you pass a car within inches of the rear view mirror?" Dudley asked.
It's also important for cyclists to wear bright clothing.
With high gas prices, many people are choosing bicycles as an alternative form of transportation... and according to Sergeant Mark Baker, a lot of these new cyclists aren't following the rules of the road.
"Many of them don't obey those rules. They don't think that they have to stop for the stop signs they don't think they need to stop for the red lights," said Sgt. Baker.
But they do need to stop.
Bicyclists need to follow all the same rules motor vehicles do.
That means signaling for turns, obeying traffic signals, and riding in the same direction as traffic.
"We always suggest that you wear a helmet. The law does not require it but you should be having a helmet on to protect your head," Sgt. Baker said.
Dudley says bicyclists shouldn't be afraid to ride with cars... and in addition to saving money on gas cycling is great for you body.
"Whenever somebody can work activity into their daily life, it just becomes natural and it just creates a healthier community," Koschak said.
Thursday, Sep 25 at 2:35 PM Ross Williams wrote ...
The biggest problem I see is not bicyclist running lights or stop signs, its riding the wrong way against traffic. There is a proposal to require bikes to sufficiently at stop signs to allow them to stop and then proceed if there is no traffic. That seems to make some sense. I think its important to recognize that bikes do not pose the threat that cars do - its tough to kill someone in a car if you hit it with your bike. In most cases its really the bicyclist who is at risk if they run sign.