Parkview Trauma Centers are partnering with the City of Fort Wayne and the Ronald G. Repka Foundation to highlight the national Share the Road campaign and encourage local motorists to “Pass with Care.” This public awareness campaign reminds motorists and cyclists that they share responsibility on area roadways.
Parkview Trauma Centers and others associated with the local campaign have sanctioned billboards across the city carrying the Pass with Care message. In addition, personnel from the trauma centers are participating in community events promoting bicycle use and providing safety education.
The City of Fort Wayne is working with the Rivergreenway to expand the network of cycling paths. The city is also extending existing bike lanes on several downtown streets and establishing new ones as part of this effort.
The Ronald G. Repka Foundation carries on the memory of Ron Repka, who died in 2001 at the age of 40 when he was hit by a car on Arcola Road in rural Allen County.
Safety tips for motorists:
1. Stay at least three feet from bicycles.
2. When turning across traffic, look carefully for cyclists.
3. Turn on your lights at dusk to help cyclists and other motorists
see you.
4. When passing a bicycle, hug the center line and pass at 15 mph
or less. If no vehicles are approaching from the other direction,
cross the center line slightly to allow the cyclist more room.
5. When parking along a street, check for cyclists before opening
the car door.
Safety tips for cyclists:
1. Wear a bike helmet at all times.
2. Don’t text and ride.
3. Obey all traffic laws, signs and signals.
4. Keep brakes, lights, reflectors, horn or bell, and all safety
devices in good working condition
5. Learn and use hand signals for turns and stops.
6. Keep both hands on the handle bars, except to signal a turn or
stop.
7. Avoid riding after dark. If you must ride after dark, use a headlight
and reflectors, and wear light-color clothing.
8. Never hold on to a truck, car or other moving vehicles.
Read more:
http://www.indianatrails.org/Rivergreenway.htm