ITD joins partners in bicycle, pedestrian, motorist campaign
Bicycling and walking are important ways to travel during nice weather, so ITD and its law enforcement partners remind everyone to follow state laws and abide by the rules of the road.
A high-visibility education and enforcement campaign began Wednesday and continues through Aug. 12 to ensure that motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists are aware of and obeying state laws regarding roadways, crosswalks and traffic-control devices.
ITD is making more than $30,000 in federal grant money available to local law enforcement agencies to fund overtime costs incurred by the campaign.
“Our hope is that this campaign will create awareness and encourage safe and positive interactions between drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians,” said Mary Burke, with ITD’s Office of Highway Safety.
“Our goal is to eliminate serious deaths and injuries as we work toward no one dying on an Idaho highway.”
Burke offered safety tips for sharing the road.
Motorists should expect bicycles on the road and pedestrians in crosswalks, she explained.
“Yield to bicyclists and don’t honk at them. Give them space when passing,” she said. “Stop for pedestrians and watch for children, especially around schools, playgrounds, buses and in neighborhoods.”
Bicyclists need to be predictable and obey traffic laws, ride single file and avoid riding on sidewalks.
“When riding at night, the law requires the use of head and tail lights. Wear light, bright colors,” she said. “Also, be aware of the ‘door zone’ to avoid getting hit by a parked car’s opening door.”
Pedestrians need to walk on sidewalks or designated paths, or against traffic on the shoulder when there are no sidewalks.
“Be aware of drivers’ blind spots and watch for cars when crossing driveways,” Burke advised. “Wear light, bright or reflective colors at night and carry a flashlight.”
More information about safe walking and bicycling in Idaho is available at itd.idaho.gov ; click on BIKE/PEDESTRIAN option.
Cities and counties participating in the campaign
North Idaho: Cities, Bonners Ferry, Coeur d’Alene,Post Falls, Sandpoint
North Central Idaho: Cities, Lewiston,, Moscow,, Orofino
Southwest Idaho: Cities, Emmett, McCall, Meridian, Nampa, Parma, Wilder; Counties, Adams County, Boise County, Canyon County, Valley County, Washington County
South Central Idaho: Cities, Bellevue, Filer, Hailey, Jerome, Ketchum, Twin Falls; Counties, Jerome, Minidoka
Southeast Idaho: Cities, Montpelier, Pocatello, Shelley; Counties, Power County
Eastern Idaho: Cities, Iona, Rigby, St. Anthony, Ucon; Counties, Jefferson County, Madison County, Teton County
Published 8-9-13