Agenda - 05-02-2017 - 7-c - Bicycle Safety Task Force (BSTF) Report and Next Steps

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54 Problem: Group rides can pose unique challenges and safety issues for sharing the road, and sometimes groups can include less experienced riders who are unaware of best practices. In addition, large groups of riders present challenges to motorists who are trying to safely pass them. Goals: A. To get ideas for best practices for group riding into the hands of all who ride in groups, and to have the best practices followed. B. To recommend riding 2 abreast, and breaking into more manageable group sizes when vehicles are trying to pass. C. To define where and when large groups most often ride, and make those routes and alternative routes available to county residents so they can plan their routes accordingly. D. To get motorists and cyclists to recognize a reasonable expectation for passing time, and to use videos or PSAs to illustrate passing a large group of riders from both cyclists' and motorists' perspectives E. To make motorists aware of the new law allowing them to cross double yellow lines to pass when safe to do so. Message: Some motorists can become frustrated or impatient when they find themselves behind a very large group of riders and are unclear about how best to safely pass them. By demonstrating best practices and by getting cyclists and motorists to see the challenges from the other's viewpoint, a better coexistence may be achieved. Target audiences: Primary: riding clubs in and around Orange County; secondary: individual cyclists, motorists, large groups (pelotons) Safety benefits: Educating large groups of cyclists will make them aware of behaviors that make motorists nervous and frustrated, and will let them know what they can do to improve safe passing. Educating motorists at the same time will make them aware of ways to pass groups safely. VL Advocate for Orange County Signage/Messaging That Focuses on Cyclist and Motorist Safety Problem: A small number of motorists and cyclists have exhibited and experienced less than friendly interactions on the roads. For both recreational and non-recreational riders, unfriendly interactions can lead to a feeling of vulnerability and fear. It may also discourage beginning cyclists or those who would like try biking for transportation or recreation. Cycling can keep our communities healthier and our air cleaner, and cyclists also bring tax dollars into Orange County. All who want to ride bikes here should feel welcome. Goals: A. To develop a safety message that elected officials will adopt that promotes Orange County as a bicycling destination and that will promote respect between motorists and cyclists as the expected norm.