|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. Joseph Markosek |
|
Markosek reminds cyclists and motorists to stay safe
HARRISBURG, May 26 – House Transportation Committee Chairman Joseph Markosek, D-Allegheny/Westmoreland, is asking cyclists and motorists to safely share the road this May for Bicycle Safety Month.
"We must maintain a commitment to keeping our roads safe for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians," Markosek said. "As the weather gets warmer, more people will be out on their bicycles. It's a good time to remind everyone of a few tips for being considerate and safe while on the road, whether in a vehicle or on a bicycle."
Markosek said that more Americans are taking up cycling, whether it's for fun, exercise or to save on gas, and more cyclists on the road could possibly lead to more fatalities. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics, 698 cyclists were killed in the U.S. in 2007.
Markosek is reminding both motorists and cyclists to be aware of each other on the road. Motorists should stay alert, recognize cyclists’ right to ride on the roadway and to make visual checks for bicyclists by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic.
Cyclists are encouraged to ride on the roadway or shared pathways, rather than on sidewalks. They should follow the same rules of the road as other roadway users, use tail lights, wear a helmet every time they ride and make themselves visible on the road.
Pennsylvania promotes bicycle safety through the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center and the National Center for Safe Routes to School. Program goals are to ease traffic congestion and keep roads safe for all users. Since 1992, the Federal Highway Administration has provided more than $4.5 billion in aid to states for bicycle and pedestrian safety programs.
Markosek represents the 25th Legislative District in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. For more information, visit www.pahouse.com/Markosek.
###