Same Roads Same Rules Safety Campaign Launched!

Got this in the email today. MassBike teaming up with some heavy movers in the state to get this much needed info out. Check out the Same Roads Same Rules site here.

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For Immediate Release May 12, 2010
Please Contact Colin Durrant (MassDOT), 617-973-7870 David Watson (MassBike), 617-686-4199 Terrel Harris (EOPSS) 617-727-7775 Wendy Fox (DCR) 617-626-1453

SURGE IN BICYCLING SPARKS “SAME ROADS, SAME RULES” SAFETY CAMPAIGN

State Agencies and MassBike Partner on Education Effort, Encourage Residents to Bike to Work on Bay State Bike Week May 17-21

BOSTON – Wednesday, May 12, 2010 – In response to the sharp rise in bicycle commuters and recreational bicyclists, MassBike, in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Department of Public Health, has launched a new safety campaign to educate both bicyclists and motorists about the role of bicycles on the state’s roads. The centerpiece of the “Same Road, Same Rules” campaign is an educational website unveiled today at www.SameRoadsSameRules.org.

The agencies and MassBike are also encouraging residents to bike to work and take part in Bay State Bike Week on May 17-21, a week long series of bike events occurring statewide. For a calendar of events and more information visit www.baystatebikeweek.org.

“Bicycling is a fun, healthy way to travel, whether you’re just going to the store or commuting to work,” said Governor Patrick. “Due to the increase in popularity of bicycling we encourage both drivers and bicyclists to educate themselves about their separate roles and responsibilities on the road.”

The state’s partnership with MassBike on the Same Roads, Same Rules campaign is part of the Healthy Transportation Compact, an initiative of the Patrick-Murray Administration’s historic transportation reform that promotes collaboration between the departments of transportation and public health to adopt best practices, increase efficiency and achieve positive health outcomes through the coordination of land use, transportation and public health policy.

“It is thrilling to see all the bicycles during my morning and evening commutes. With so many bicyclists taking to the road it’s increasingly important that bicyclists and motorists learn how to interact safely,” said MassBike Executive Director David Watson. “Many of these bicyclists are new to riding in traffic, and many motorists are unsure what to do around bicyclists, but the common thread is that everyone wants to get where they are going safely.”

The Same Roads, Same Rules website focuses on the most important things both motorists and bicyclists need to know about the role of bicycles on the road. Visitors can explore safety tips for bikes or cars, detailed information about state laws or common myths and misconceptions from both bicyclist and motorists perspectives. The MassDOT and DCR websites will promote the Same Roads, Same Rules website and MassBike plans to heavily promote the new site to bicyclists via postcards, stickers and other materials.

“The Same Roads, Same Rules campaign aims to welcome both new and old bicyclists to the road and educate all road users, including drivers, about both the rights and responsibilities of bicycles on our roads,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan. “MassDOT is working closely with the bicycling community to strengthen safety and education for our employees and to our customers throughout the state.”

“This campaign complements the work we do with Mass in Motion to encourage residents to take steps to improve their overall health and wellness,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. JudyAnn Bigby. “Riding a bike is an easy way for residents to incorporate exercise into their daily routines. This initiative will help create an environment where residents who choose to ride their bikes on our roads can do so safely.”

“Biking is practical, fun and healthy as long as riders and drivers alike share the responsibility of road safety,” said Public Safety Secretary Mary Beth Heffernan. “To promote bike safety, we will provide 157 communities over 14,000 helmets, purchased with public safety grants, to be distributed free of charge at local events during the spring and summer months.”

“The increased interest in cycling and bicycle safety is very heartening,” said DCR Commissioner Rick Sullivan, “and the Same Roads, Same Rules campaign is an excellent initiative to educate cyclists and motorists alike in how we should all behave to keep everyone safe.”

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