The Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) has written an op-ed in response to last Friday’s Portland Tribune headline story on bike safety. The headline that ran on the front page was, “Walk, ride at your peril”.
The BTA thinks this alarmist headline “irresponsible journalism” because both walking and riding remain relatively very safe activities. They go on to outline several positive ways our community can react to the recent spate of bike/car incidents that have left 5 cyclists dead since the start of June. Here they are:
- First, as drivers and cyclists, we have to act responsibly when we’re on the road.
- Second, law enforcement officials need to respond effectively and send a clear message that our roads must be safe for all.
- Third, our elected officials must dedicate the required resources to identify the most dangerous roads and bridges and fix them, as well as improving safety during every upgrade.
- Fourth, community partners such as the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, schools, and Department of Motor Vehicles, must work to educate drivers and bicyclists about safely sharing the road.
- Fifth, the media should continue to draw attention to the crashes, in a thoughtful and responsible way.
All very good points to keep in mind during this “sad summer.” Much credit due to the BTA for such a well-written piece.