Iowa Bicycle Coalition sends letter to Gov. Culver to increase roadway safety

Iowa Bicycle Coalition sends letter to Gov. Culver to increase roadway safety

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition has sent a letter to Governor Culver asking for him to give some attention to the safety of non motorized transportation modes. A series of overtaking crashes have occurred this summer causing fatalities and serious injuries.

The letter gives examples of the tragic problems encountered by walking and bicycling. But it also highlights the inequities faced in a transportation system heavily dominated by motorized vehicles.

Bicyclists have the same rights and duties of the drivers of vehicles according to the Iowa Code. There are also additional penalties for crashes with serious injuries or fatalities. Mark Wyatt, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition thinks the application is much different in the real world. “It seems that when a bicycle is involved traffic charges don't apply.”

It's not limited to law enforcement issues. “We have to crowd meetings and fight for each and every bicycle facility and accommodation.” adds Wyatt. “When bicycle or pedestrian accommodations are warranted funding becomes a burden. In several areas of the state, private groups purchase and build trails because no one else will. But roadway construction is automatic and constant.”

Wyatt says the issue is greater than bicycle safety. Other issues like health, obesity, traffic congestion, and air quality. Bicycling and walking have a strong relationship to quality of life and retention of younger workers. “But it starts with making it safe to ride a bicycle down the road. We need to conquer the safety issue first.” states Wyatt.

The letter calls for Governor Culver to examine what state agencies have plans for bicycle and pedestrian safety and to help implement those solutions.