Safe-Travel Reminders For Bloomington Pedestrians, Cyclists And Motorists

Last updated on Wednesday, September 16, 2015

(BLOOMINGTON) - With the return of students to classrooms this fall, Bloomington’s streets, sidewalks, and trails are once again bustling with activity.

Whether you are driving, walking or bicycling, the City of Bloomington's Civil Streets Initiative encourages all residents and visitors to understand that we all share responsibility for keeping one another safe.

The Civil Streets Initiative aims to improve safety for all road users by reducing unsafe behaviors, through a combination of education, outreach, and enforcement activities. The program began in 2013 and is funded by a grant from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

This fall, the Civil Streets Initiative has several events planned:

Targeting the enforcement of traffic safety laws, September 13th to September 18th.
During this week, Bloomington Police Department will provide additional attention to enforcing traffic safety laws relating to stop sign sign compliance, the usage of bicycle lights at night and vehicles yielding to pedestrians.

'Smart City Cycling' Classes, September 12th, September 20th, and October 17th.

This one-day course is intended for adults who are interested in learning to ride a bicycle in traffic more safely and confidently. It includes hands-on and classroom instruction, and participants will receive a complimentary set of lights for their bicycle. This course is for ages 16 and up. A donation of $10 is recommended to support future classes.
Register at http://bloomington.in.gov/bike.

Bicycle Helmet Giveaway, September 12th

The Civil Streets Initiative will be giving away a limited number of helmets for adults and children at their table at the Bloomington Community Farmers' Market, from 8 am to 1 pm.

In addition to upcoming events, the Civil Streets Initiative has the following traffic safety reminders for all residents and visitors:

When you are walking:

Cross at intersections or crosswalks.
Look before you step into the street.
Follow traffic signals.
Look before you step into the street.

When you are bicycling:

Ride in the same direction as traffic.
Lights on at night.
Obey stop signs, traffic signals, and all other vehicular traffic laws.
Walk your bike on sidewalks.
Wear a helmet.

When you are driving:

Look out for cyclists and pedestrians
Travel at or below the speed limit.
When in doubt, yield to people walking or bicycling.
Don't drive distracted.

For more information, visit http://bloomington.in.gov/civilstreets or contact Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Vince Caristo at caristov@bloomington.in.gov or 812.349.3423.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

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