Press conference reminds San Diego how to share the road safely for National Bike Month
SAN DIEGO – In the presence of warmer weather, longer days and National Bike Month, more San Diegans are dusting off their bikes and hitting the streets. This morning City of San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman and Bicycle Coalition Executive Director Andy Hanshaw seized the opportunity to highlight what it means for bicyclists and motorists to safely share the road at this high-traffic time of year.
The San Diego Bike Coalition, a local advocate protecting the rights of all people on bicycles, launched the county into National Bike Month on May 1 and has been a primary resource for countywide bicycle learning courses through the year. Some current classes include:
- Traffic Skills Courses, reviewing details of bike-riding safety and potential scenarios when commuting and sharing the road with motorists.
- Adult and Youth Bicycling Courses, working with first-time riders of any age to get pedaling and feel comfortable riding a bicycle at their own pace.
- Safe Routes to School Traffic Safety Courses, teaching elementary and middle school children about safe bicycling and walking and promoting these options through hands-on exercises.
By providing regular educational opportunities, the Bicycle Coalition hopes to instill safe riding habits in everyone on two wheels and four.
“It is absolutely crucial to teach everyone who wants to learn more about bicycle safety and build a community of bicyclists and motorists with safe habits,” said Hanshaw. “With a network of people practicing safe and mindful riding, our county moves closer to sharing the road peacefully with all other forms of transit and enjoying the ride much more.”
City of San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman agreed with Hanshaw and reiterated the Police Department’s commitment to fostering safe sharing of the roadways between cyclists and motorists.
To learn more about the San Diego Bike Coalition and its initiatives to promote safe bicycling in San Diego County, please visit www.sdcbc.org.
