The Athens News Courier printed this article for us in Sunday's paper. Please forward to anyone you think might be interested.

The League of American Bicyclists ranks all 50 states on bike friendliness and in the 2010 ranking Alabama is dead last at 50^th. The League’s mission is to promote bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation and work through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America.

Some concerned citizens think we can do better than last place. 

The local group, Limestone County Cyclists, is currently raising money to purchase Share the Road signs and hopes to raise awareness among drivers and make the roads safer for everyone.   The group is working with the Limestone County Commission to purchase and install the signs using money donated by local citizens and businesses.  The purpose of these signs is to remind drivers that in Alabama a bicycle is considered a legal vehicle and has the same rights and responsibilities as any other car, truck or motorcycle.

In most parts of the developed world bike riding is considered a respectable mode of travel and is a very popular sport in most places.  This is not the case in Alabama.  Even though Alabama state law recognizes a bicycle as a legal vehicle, many drivers are not aware of this and are often hostile towards bicyclists.  Limestone County Cyclists wants to educate drivers AND bicyclists about how we can all share the road safely and avoid unnecessary conflicts.  Furthermore, having a bike friendly community is looked at by companies wanting to move into an area.  Being the worst state in the county might very well mean that a new plant goes to another state costing us valuable jobs and tax revenue.

Bicycles will become more and more common on the roadways of Athens and Limestone County as people look for ways to be environmentally friendly as well learning that riding a bike is a great form of exercise.  We must work together as a community to make sure the roads are safe for all users.  We must realize that cyclists are not trying to delay you or be inconsiderate.  They are simply trying to be as safe as possible while going to their destination.

What does “Share the Road” mean anyway?

(from http://www.floridabicycle.org/rules/motorist.html  condensed and reworded) 

The roads are a cooperative system that are paid for and used by all citizens and our conduct on the roads affects the quality and livability of our communities.  Share the Road signs are used to remind drivers of the likelihood of encountering a bicycle and to remind the driver that the rule of “first come, first served” applies when encountering a bicycle.  The rider or group of riders has the right of way and is not required to ride on the sidewalk or pull over to let a car pass.  You will typically find that a bicyclist will ride near the right side of the road and will make every safe effort to allow a car to pass and not hold up traffic any more than is necessary.  Cyclists are not trying to delay you or be inconsiderate.  They are simply trying to be as safe as possible while going to their destination.

Everyone is in a hurry. And lots of things get in the way: freight trains, red lights, other motorists, buses, etc. will all seem to be in your way throughout your journey. A cyclist or group of cyclists in the road represents the most minor and momentary delays. Passing a cyclist safely will not affect your total trip time at all. Injuring a cyclist because you are impatient and frustrated will cost you a lot more than a few seconds.

Purposely passing a cyclist too close or blowing your horn with the intent to intimidate is ASSAULT. Passing too close at high speed because you are in a hurry is RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT.

If you see another motorist assault or endanger a cyclist, please call the police. We're somebody's daughter, son, mother, father, sister, brother, wife or husband. We might be your friend, neighbor, co-worker or doctor. Help us ensure the safety of Alabama cyclists and the quality of our communities by driving cooperatively and reporting reckless driving and hostility.

If we all work together, we can show the rest of the country that Limestone County is better than the rest of Alabama and make our roads safe for everyone.  If you or your company would like to sponsor a sign, the signs are $57 each but donations of any amount would be appreciated.  For more information on joining Limestone County Cyclists or to make a donation, please contact Max Norman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 256-497-3596.

Sources:

http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/bicyclefriendlystate/rankings.php

 www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/