SLOCBC Announces: "Coexist"

Phase I: Signs on RTA Buses:

What Is The Coexist Campaign?
The Coexist Campaign is a SLOCBC led effort to encourage greater respect between bicyclists and motorists countywide, hopefully resulting in safer conditions for all of us.

Why is it Necessary?
As San Luis Obispo County grows, vehicle traffic will certainly worsen. The Coalition seeks to ensure that despite this growth, the roads of SLO County can still be an attractive alternative to cyclists. To accomplish this, we need road all road users to understand proper and safe behavior. Education for motorists and bicyclists is necessary so that we may coexist by legally and safely share the road.

What Does The Coexist Campaign Consist of?
Our Coexist Campaign will be an ongoing effort to educate both motorists and cyclists to share the road. Ideally, we want to educate both groups with every bit of available information (which you can find below), but for now we will try and get the most important lessons out there. The Coalition will work both alone and will seek out any interested agencies or institutions that will help spread the message. We have many ideas that we are pursuing and will keep you all updated on our progress. If you would like to help us spread our message, please contact Adam Fukushima at 541-3875.

What is the message?
Our friends at the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition have helped us with the Coexist Campaign through two successful years of their own efforts. The key messages of the campaign are as important here in SLO County as they are in San Francisco.

1. Reminding motorists to leave at least 3 feet of space when passing bicyclists, and to pass slowly and carefully.

2. Reminding bicyclists to ride predictably in the roadway.

3. Reminding motorists to check their side mirrors for approaching bicyclists before opening their car doors after parking.

4. Reminding bicyclists to ride at least 3 feet outside of the dangerous door zone - the area just next to parked cars, where doors can suddenly and dangerously fly open.

Additionally, we want motorists and cyclists to be aware of the following tips (developed by SLO Regional Rideshare):

 

Tips for Motorists

Passing - Pass bicycles safely by leaving a minimum of 3 feet of space between car and the bike. Slow down if necessary.

Honking - Don't honk at bicyclists unless absolutely necessary.

Watch- Bikers may legally ride in the middle of the lane to avoid hazards, to pass other vehicles or bicyclists, or to prepare for a left turn.

Driveways - Be alert and watchful of bicyclists, especially when you enter or exit a driveway or alley.

Crosswalks - Watch for young children who may be riding on the sidewalk or in a crosswalk.

Turning- Before turning right (or left from a one-way street) look over your shoulder and check for bicycle traffic. If a bike lane is present, carefully merge into it to make your turn. Always use your turn signal.

Getting Out - Look over your shoulder for bicyclists before you open a car door or pull away from the curb.

DUI = NO - Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Tips for Cyclists

Tips for Cyclists

Helmets - Wear an approved bicycle helmet every time you ride. It\'s the law if you are under 18 years old!

Traffic Laws - Ride on the right side of the street, do not ride against traffic, and obey all traffic laws just like the driver of a car.

Ride Single File - Ride single-file and never ride double on one bike.

Nighttime - Try and avoid biking at night. If you must ride after dark, wear reflective clothes and use lights and reflectors on your bike.

Crossings - When crossing a street, first look left for cars, look right, then check left again over your shoulder.

Be Alert - Watch for cars that may not see you. Be extra careful for cars that are pulling in or out of driveways, and opening doors.

Bike Size - Make sure your bike is not too big or too little. You should be able to straddle your bike with both feet flat on the ground.

Bike Condition - Check your brakes, tires, and handlebars every time you ride. Your bike\'s tires should skid when the brakes are applied.

Road Hazards - Avoid potholes, drain grates, gravel, and train tracks.

Crosswalks - Walk your bike when crossing a street in a crosswalk.