David Hart

How about dump trucks, RV's, semi's and the like...do they watch NASCAR/NHRA?

I had thought that having larger fines for driver was the key but it doesn't work. Having NASCAR or other auto promoters get the word out would be nice. Who do you contact for that? How much are they going to charge & who is going to pay for it?

How about billboards? There are a lot more signs warning about cyclist on roadways. Public awareness!

You can educate the public but I think the cyclist has to be responsible for choices. What roads to ride on, what time, and what to wear to be seen. I put a lot of pressue on the cyclist as it is he/she that suffers the most. I have seen a cyclist to everything that is legal and more and still gets hit. I have seen commuter cyclist blow thru red lights and stop signs on Division & Burnside. We need to work on ourselves at the same time.

David

KO Kevin

John said, "There would be no motor vehicle / bicycle accidents if
cyclists did not ride on roads. But they do ride. Both cyclists and
motorists have not only a legal, but a moral responsibility to share the
roads safely. We all know that. How shall we convince everyone who uses
the roads of that? I know there are groups and organizations that
promote safe cycling and safe motoring. Let's give them our support."

What is needed are new spokespersons that can promote "sharing the road"
among the non-cyclist and the anti-cyclist population. Having someone
like Lance Armstrong as a spokesperson would be a waste of time and
money, because he wouldn't reach the target audience. I truly believe
that organizations like NASCAR and the NHRA need to be at the forefront
of a national campaign that promotes sharing the road with cyclists. If
NASCAR ran Public Service Bulletins with Jeff Gordon, or Dale Ernhardt
Jr. telling their fans how they respect the rights of cyclists and give
cyclists a wide berth when passing, I believe that it could be
tremendously effective. I am not trying to stereotype NASCAR or NHRA
fans (I am a fan of both), but I do believe that fans of automobile
racing would be a key audience to target. Other organizations that
could have an impact are the beer manufacturers (Budweiser, Miller,
Coors), Country Music (Toby Keith, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw) and the
American Automobile Makers (Ford, GM, Mopar).

It is a very divisive society that we live in today. Modern politicians
and talk radio have nurtured an "us against them" attitude, and we are
asked to choose sides on topics like the war, gay rights and
immigration. Lately, cycling on public roads has people choosing sides
once again. What are needed are new alliances among groups and
organizations that may have completely different agendas, but seek a
common goal. I would love to see USA Cycling, the League of American
Wheelmen and OBRA form alliances with the previously mentioned
organizations to promote mutual respect among cyclists and drivers. I
can cry out that I am a cyclist and I want respect, but I would either
be preaching to the choir or my cry would fall on deaf ears. However,
if Jeff Gordon would say, "He's a cyclist, I respect his right to be on
the road and you should, too", now that would be a message that could
change a lot of attitudes. How do we get there from here?

Kevin Ko