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Sharing the Road Responsibly

Thanks to PA State Senator Jake Corman for sharing this in his recent newsletter:

Pedestrians, along with bicyclists and motorists, whether on two, three, f our, or more wheels, are increasingly taking to the roadways as spring unfolds, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and its “Just Drive PA” campaign.

Sharing the Road requires responsible observance of all PA traffic safety laws. Just Drive PA offers resources for all types of motorists and driving conditions.

Among the more pronounced changes is requiring motorists to allow at least four feet between their vehicle and a bicycle, permitting the vehicle to safely pass the bicycle. Motorists may pass at a careful and practical reduced speed. Motorists may cross the center double yellow line, if safe and necessary, to provide the required four feet when passing a bicycle. No turn by the driver of a motor vehicle may interfere with a bicyclist proceeding straight on a roadway or shoulder.

Getting the Word Out About Bike Safety

Building on our efforts with Ferguson Township last year, this spring, we worked with the Centre Regional Planning Agency to connect with even more owners of local roadside message signs. Thanks to those efforts, we’re excited to share that variable message boards in and around State College at 5 different locations will share the “Yield 4 feet to Cyclists” message.

Why the 4 feet pass message?

It’s a law that many are unfamiliar with: when cars pass a person on a bike, they must do so safely, and give that person on a bike 4 feet. Cars have the right to cross the center line to give that space, if need be. It’s PA state law. Making more drivers aware and alert of this law (and that bicyclists are co-owners of the road) can help keep people alert as they pass, and help avoid “close calls” when drivers don’t realize how it feels to be passed too close.

Message Locations:

Blue Course Drive (from Ferguson Township Police)
Park Ave &College Ave Week of May 2 (from State College Borough)
South Allen & Gill St. Week of May 9 (from State College Borough)
Several locations including Atherton Stteet (from PennDOT)

We want to give a huge THANK YOU to each of these folks – Ferguson Township, State College Borough, and PennDOT, for sharing these messages of bicyclist safety at the start of the major riding season. Thousands of cars will pass by these boards this year in May, and little reminders can make a big difference.

Celebrate National Bike Month in May!

Did you know? May is National Bike Month. Throughout the month, you’ll see bike-friendly events around the State College area.

CentreBike is encouraging the community to try riding a bike to work, school or just for recreation! If you are new to riding a bike, or looking for tips on commuting, staying safe, and following bike laws, check out our Tips & Articles.

Centre Region May Bike Events

Friday April 29, 7:30am – 4pm– Bike Month Kick-off and “Ask a Cyclist” – Have a question about biking in the Centre Region? Volunteers will be at Allen Street Gates to answer questions, offer maps/resources, and to celebrate May Bike Month. Contact CentreBike with questions.
All Month – Track your bike miles ridden on the National Bike Challenge. Thousands of cyclists nationwide participate and prizes are awarded. Last year, Centre Region took 14^th in the nation for points earned as a community. Help us reach over 200 riders this year!
Sunday, May 1, 11:30am – Linden Loop Ride – Participate in a fundraising ride for the Rock Hill School – either the 28 mile ride (12:30pm) or the 5 mile family ride (1pm). Register online at http://bit.ly/lindenloop2016
Every Friday in May, 8am – 9:30am – Free Coffee for Bike Commuters – Trying riding your bike to work in May! Designated locations around State College will be offering free coffee or breakfast to bike commuters. May 6 – Old Main Steps, May 13 – Freeze/Thaw Cycles, May 20 – The Bicycle Shop, May 27 – Sidney Friedman Parklet (off Fraser Street in Downtown State College)
Every Wednesday in May, 6pm – Beginner Mountain Bike Ride – Nittany Mountain Biking Association (nittanymba.org) hosts an easier ride with lots of encouragement. All ride levels welcome! Meet at Galbraith Gap Parking Lot at Rothrock State Forest (beyond Tussey Mountain parking lot, on your left) Contact NMBA with questions.
Tuesday, May 17, 5:30pm Forum: Building A Bike Friendly Community – Where do we go from here? Hear how the Regional Bike Plan is being implemented, plus updates on our Bike Friendly Community (BFC) status, and where we’re going from here. We want your ideas! Hosted at State College Borough Building, in the Community Room. Contact CentreBike with questions: https://centrebike.org/contact-us-2/
Saturday May 21– Family Ride Around Town– Easy ride (5-7 miles) along shared paths through town. Come out and enjoy the fresh air and fellow slow-rolling cyclists. Contact CentreBike with questions.
Thursday, May 26, 6:00pm – Lower Level Road Ride – Interested in longer distance group rides, but new to the sport? Join State College Cycling at Haymarket Park for a “Slow and Easy” 10-15 mile ride to learn the ropes. Email statecollegecycling-owner@yahoogroups.com with questions.