A Petition to End Fatal Bike Crashes in Iowa

Mark Wyatt
Posted Jul 17, 2016
10,092

This week, the Iowa Bicycle Coalition is launching a campaign to end fatal bike crashes in Iowa. It starts with a petition drive demanding Iowa government start working to end fatal crashes involving bicyclists. Each year, four to seven people riding bicycles are killed on Iowa roads and half are hit from behind by motorists. You can sign online at iowabicyclecoalition.org/petition.

The goal of the petition is to collect thousands of signatures from Iowans who support bicycling and want to see an end to fatal bicycle crashes. When people are finished signing the petition, it will be printed and delivered to Iowa government leaders including the speaker of the Iowa House and the Iowa Senate president.

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is working on lobbying for legislative changes prior to the November election of the Iowa House and Senate. Supporters of bicycling are asking incumbents and challengers questions about the candidate’s plans to end fatal bike crashes, define a safe passing distance for motorists overtaking bicyclists, and strengthen penalties for reckless driving.

The strategy beyond the petition includes a new effort to improve the curriculum for “sharing the road with bicycles” section of the current driver’s education course. This section is required by law to be taught to new drivers. The proposed curriculum will be updated based upon contributing factors to crashes noted in crash statistics compiled over the past five years. It will also give young motorists clear tips to pass cyclists and operate around bicycle facilities like bike lanes.

The proposed strategy includes completion and adoption of a new bicycle and pedestrian plan by the Iowa Department of Transportation. The plan is largely complete but was put on hold during debate of the gas tax increase. Safe bicycling infrastructure can play a big role in the reduction of bicycle crashes.

Other strategies include working with public safety agencies to develop enforcement strategies that target fatal crash prevention and charges that are uniform and appropriate to deter dangerous driving. Finally, the work continues with bicycle rider education, especially in schools since people under the age of 16 are involved in 25% of overall crashes involving bicycles.

Petition signers will be kept up-to-date with steps in the campaign and opportunities to take action. Anyone who supports ending fatal bike crashes in Iowa can sign the petition at iowabicyclecoalition.org/petition.

Donations of any amount are welcome to support the campaign. Donations can be made online HERE.