UK PTS Reminds Motorists, Cyclists to Share the Road

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 11, 2014) -- With the start of the academic year and the resulting increase in the campus population, University of Kentucky Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) is reminding motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists to use caution when interacting with each other, in order to safely share the road. As part of these efforts, PTS has developed safety tips for both drivers and cyclists alike.

PTS, in conjunction with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, Fayette County Public Schools, UK and Lexington Police and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, wants to promote safety on our roads. Cyclists and motorists have the same rights, rules and responsibilities on most Kentucky roads. Below is a list of tips that will help keep the road a safe way to travel:

Motorists:

• Be Alert: Check your mirrors. Watch for pedestrians and cyclists, yielding to them at crosswalks and intersections; pay special attention while driving on or around campus. Scan for cyclists before turning across a bike lane, driveway or onto another road.
• Every Lane is a Bike Lane: Cyclists have a right to the road. Be alert and patient. Expect cyclists on the road at any time, especially on signed bike routes and on roads displaying the sharrow symbol on the roadway surface. Do not use a bike lane as a turn lane.
• Pass with Care: Bicycles are considered vehicles and should be given the appropriate right of way. A minimum of three feet is recommended for passing cyclists. Stay behind cyclists when you are turning right. Don’t honk your horn when approaching cyclists; doing so could startle the cyclist and cause a crash.
• Don’t Speed or Text: Follow posted speed limits and follow distracted driving laws; don’t text message while your vehicle is in motion.

Cyclists:

• Respect the Red: Bicycles are vehicles. Obey traffic rules for safety and to gain respect from motorists. Never ride against traffic; it is illegal and unsafe.
• Be Safe, Be Seen: Use front and rear lights and wear bright or reflective clothing. Be predictable and make eye contact with motorists, and use hand signals to indicate your intentions.
• Pass with Care: A minimum of three feet is recommended for passing vehicles.
• Wear a Helmet: Helmet use dramatically reduces the risks of brain injury and death for cyclists involved in accidents.

Additionally, cyclists are reminded to engage in safe sidewalk riding behaviors. Some campus sidewalks have been designated as shared sidewalks and, under certain conditions, serve as important connections for cyclists. These shared sidewalks are wide, do not run parallel to vehicular traffic and connect important campus destinations. Even so, these walks were designed for pedestrian traffic and bicyclists should always yield.

If you choose to ride your bike on any campus sidewalk, please follow these basic rules:

• Always Yield to Pedestrians. Give audible warning, or dismount to pass when sidewalks are crowded or narrow.
• Go Slow. Sidewalks are not designed for speeds faster than a slow jog.
• Check Every Cross Street and Driveway. Vehicles often pull across the sidewalk before entering traffic or turn into driveways without scanning very far down the street.
• Only Cross the Street at Crosswalks. Darting into the street mid-block is very dangerous.

For more information about sharing the road, visit www.moveitpeople.com/bike/safety. For a complete list of local bike ordinances, visit www.lexingtonky.gov/bikewalklex.

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MEDIA CONTACTS: Chrissie Balding Tune, 859-257-3512; Carl Nathe, 859-257-3200.