On Thursday, May 1 at 9 a.m., bicycling advocates from across the commonwealth will gather at the bell tower at the Virginia State Capitol as Deputy Secretary of Transportation Ralph Davis reads the proclamation for Bike Month 2008.

Bicycling is good for your wallet and your health. With gas prices hitting record highs, it can significantly cut the cost of your commute.

It can ease traffic congestion and reduce air pollution. And, it has also been proven to help reduce the onset of chronic disease and childhood obesity.

Friday, May 16 marks Bike to Work Day, also known as Clean Commute Day. Consider bicycling for your daily commute, and if that does not work, try walking, vanpooling, carpooling or using available transit options to help reduce air pollution.

“As Virginians ride their bicycles for transportation, recreation, fitness and family fun in May, motorists should remember to share the road,” said VDOT Commissioner David S. Ekern, P.E. “Drivers should use caution when traveling near bicyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. We all depend on Virginia’s highways and byways to connect us to the important things in our lives, whether we use two wheels or four.”

To keep safe on the road, bicyclists should:

• Always ride on the right side of the road and never against traffic.
  
  
• Ride safely and predictably. A bicycle is considered a vehicle, so ride as if you were operating a motor vehicle.
  
  
• Ride at least three feet from parked cars to avoid opening doors and people stepping into traffic.
  
  
• Wear a helmet that is comfortable and fits properly.

Motorists should remember to:

• Pass bicyclists with at least two feet of clearance and at a safe speed.
  
  
• Do not honk when passing. Honking can startle a bicyclist and cause a crash.
  
  
• Do not slow abruptly or turn immediately after passing a bicyclist.
  
  
• Watch for road hazards such as debris or broken pavement that may require cyclists to move into the travel lane.

Highway safety is everyone’s responsibility. Take Virginia’s Highway Safety Challenge.

• Share the road
• Buckle up
• Avoid distractions
• Drive drug and alcohol free
• Obey speed limits

For more information on the Virginia’s Highway Safety Challenge and to learn more about how to stay safe on Virginia’s roads, visit www.safeVAhighways.org.

For more information on bicycling and walking in Virginia, visit www.VirginiaDOT.org/programs/bk-default.asp

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Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.