Kansas City Star: Task force is working on better ways to share the streets – Roads need to be safer for pedestrians, cyclists – 11 November, 2006

Can a bicycle co-exist with an SUV? Can a pedestrian find safe passage across a parkway? Yes and yes. But in the age of frenzy and the land of sprawl, ensuring safe streets is going to take some work. The new Share the Road Safety Task Force — a collaboration of local governments, police departments, youth and senior citizen groups and others — is a promising development. An organized effort to promote safe transportation is overdue.

Founders of the task force have correctly noted that planners in this region have long deferred to cars and their oversized cousins. Intersections are treacherous for pedestrians, sidewalks are scarce, and too few lanes and trails are designated for bicycles.

Last week’s vote in favor of light rail was a signal that many people may be ready to park their cars. Rising gas prices and an emphasis on fitness are good reasons to cycle and walk.

Sharing the streets will require cooperation from all parties.

Missouri and Kansas statutes are clear that bicycles have as much right as a car or SUV to be on the roads. The horn honking and one-fingered salutes that too many drivers use to convey their dislike of cyclists are out of line. Bicyclists, for their part, should remember that traffic laws and common sense require that they ride single-file and as far to the right as possible on busy streets.

Both states require drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. But drivers and pedestrians alike seem confused about the protocol. Thirteen pedestrians and three bicyclists in the metropolitan area have been killed this year while crossing streets.

More steps must be taken to keep the streets safe. These include adjusting the timing of signals at many intersections, devising safe routes for students to walk and bike to school, and adding more bike lanes and trails.

The payoff will be safer and healthier communities.