Spring has sprung! People across Sumner County are getting outside to enjoy the sunshine and warm temperatures. Many of us get the itch to hit the road and not in an SUV or convertible. For some it's training for the Running of the Fools 5k, maybe even the Country Music Marathon. Others are just out for a head-clearing jog or a long bike ride.
The vast majority of runners and cyclists know the rules of the road. They take very seriously their responsibilities for proper use of our roads. They understand that motorists don't want to be unnecessarily inconvenienced or put in danger; they are motorists too. The majority of motorists happily share the road and take seriously the laws designed to protect both parties.
Unfortunately, there is a small minority of cyclists and motorists who ignore the laws that protect both parties. Nearly every cyclist has a story (and in some cases, several) about close calls with motorists who seem to care less about their safety. And there are motorists who get stuck behind cyclists who "think they own the road."
As with many issues, education can help.
First, motorists need to understand that Tennessee state law protects the rights of cyclists to use the roads. In fact, Tennessee state law protects cyclists and encumbers motorists:
Tennessee Code Annotated: 55-8-175 Riding on roadways and bicycle paths.
(c) (1) This subsection (c) shall be known and may be cited as the "Jeff Roth and Brian Brown Bicycle Protection Act of 2007.
(2)The operator of a motor vehicle, when overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on the roadway, shall leave a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet (3') and shall maintain the clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.
(d) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Second, cyclists need to understand their obligations as users of public roads. Organizations such as the League of American Bicyclists (
www.bikeleague.org) have great information online about the rules of the road and how to enjoy riding your bicycle safely and according to the law.
Third, as a cyclist, I want motorists to understand that the person riding or running in front of you is a person...a husband or wife, daughter or son, mother or father. They don't want to inconvenience you any more than you want to be inconvenienced. Just remember that they want to make it home in better shape than they left.
Fourth, dog owners, please understand leash laws. Three weeks ago, I was pretty sure the little dog that came from nowhere and ran under my front tire wasn't going to bite me. Dog bites concern us, but not nearly as much as what crashing to the asphalt will do. Just think of what would happen to you if you jumped out of a car in your underwear at twenty miles per hour.
Let's all pay more attention to each other on the road.