BikeWalkKC wants bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists alike to remain vigilant during commutes to and from work, home and school. According to regional pedestrian fatality statistics there have been more than 20 Kansas City Metro pedestrian fatalities. These numbers are alarming and BikeWalkKC wants you to stay safe while traveling by foot and asks that drivers be carefu l around vulnerable road users.
Eric Bunch, Director of Education for BikeWalkKC states, ?There has been a surge of pedestrian fatalities and hit and run incidents over the last few months and BikeWalkKC wants to do something about these crimes. We have already had more than 20 pedestrian fatalities and we still have the dangerous winter months to navigate.?
According to Bunch, "Pedestrian safety is a two-way street. While it is up to pedestrians to be visible and walk lawfully, drivers have the ultimate power to make the streets safer for all road users. We have already had more than 20 pedestrian fatalities and we still have the dangerous winter months to navigate."
According to Missouri and Kansas State laws drivers must:
-Yield to pedestrians entering a crosswalk even if the crosswalk is not at an intersection (Kansas drivers must stop completely when a pedestrian is present),
-Yield to pedestrians crossing the road at any intersection even if a crosswalk is not marked; all intersections are legal crosswalks.
-Practice the highest degree of care to protect other road users even if acting in a seemingly lawful manner.
-Treat bicyclists with the same regard as motorists while passing only at a safe distance.
There are a few simple tips for all road users to keep everyone safe:
-Be careful in the dark, at twilight, and when the sun is in your eyes. Pedestrians and bicyclists should wear reflective clothing and bright colors.
-Motorists should slow down around schools, crosswalks, bus stops, busy intersections and pedestrian areas.
-Refrain from distracted driving. Texting, talking on the phone and eating are all forms of distracted driving.
-Bicyclists must use lights at night according to state and local laws; bicyclists must also follow all traffic.
-Pedestrians should only cross the road at crosswalks and should always walk facing traffic when a sidewalk is not present. Remember to "walk left, ride right."
In addition to staying visible you can further enhance your safety by taking one of BikeWalkKCs free classes. This year BikeWalkKC has a selection of free classes to help keep you safe while you ride. December 13 from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Eric Bunch BikeWalkKC?s Director of Education will teach a class on visibility and how to ride for transportation in the Kansas City winter. The Class -- Dress your Bike For Success, Winter Edition, will teach the participant everything from tools to tires and racks to packs to the complexities of carrying cargo, keeping clean and riding through Kansas City's challenging winter months. Participants will learn about winter clothing, tips for better traction and riding in the snow and how to fend off the onslaught of road debris's.
BikeWalkKC also teaches classes on Staying Visible, Commuting by Bike, Confident City Cycling, Basic Bike Maintenance and you now have the opportunity to request a class to come to your work or community center. Make bike commuting a part of your work wellness program or incorporate bike education into your after school programs for youth.
BikeWalkKC is the unified voice for active living, promoting a healthy, safe and accessible outdoor experience for all in a vibrant, engaged community. BikeWalkKC is a member-supported organization that works to make Greater Kansas City a safer and more accessible place to walk, bicycle, live, work, and play. The advocacy programs work with local cities to improve policies and build sidewalks, trails, crosswalks, bike lanes, and more. BikeWalkKC's education programs give people the knowledge and skills to walk and to bicycle safely and confidently for transportation, recreation, and fitness. Learn more at BikeWalkKC.org.
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