GRDrivingChange.org Is Designed To Help Motorists And Bicyclists Share The Road
A new Grand Rapids website launched recently to help drivers and bicyclists share the road safely.GRDrivingChange.org shows both motorists and bicyclists how to properly share the road. The website has the laws clearly spelled out as well as videos to help people understand the correct procedures at intersections, roads with no bike lanes, etc.
The State of Michigan reported that traffic fatalities have increased 10 percent from 2014 to 2015 and the largest increase was among bicyclist fatalities, up 57 percent from 21 in 2014 to 33 in 2015. To make matters worse, Grand Rapids has a fatal bike crash ratio that is almost three times higher than the state average.
In order to combat this increase in fatalities, the city, with support from MDOT, has started an aggressive educational campaign to get both motorists and cyclists up to speed with the laws and safety procedures.
Here are a quick rundown of some of the laws that you might not know about. You can find the full list of the laws on the website.
- Motorists must leave 5 feet when passing a bicyclist.
- Motorists do not open vehicle doors in a way that blocks bicycles.
- Motorists watch out for bicyclists, especially when making a right-hand turn.
- Motorists do not park or drive in the bike lane.
- When approaching an intersection all road users should pay attention.
- Bicyclists must be visible.
- Bicyclists must obey all traffic signals and signs.
- Bicyclists must signal turns.
- Bicyclists should ride with traffic.
- Riding side-by-side is allowed.
- Bicyclists are safer when they ride on the road.
Here are two TV commercials that you'll see over the next several months in Grand Rapids.
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