Be a Roll Model – Share the Road

by Alison Zelms, Assistant City Manager

SEDONA, AZ - June 27, 2008 - With cost of fuel and food continually increasing, residents and employees in Sedona are walking and riding their bikes to the store, to work, to many of their destinations. There are still, however, many cars on the road and as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists all travel the same corridors, it is important for each group to be aware of the other and act safely on their way to their destinations.

Earlier this year the City of Sedona and other Verde Valley organizations were selected by ADOT as the pilot area for their new campaign for pedestrian and bicycle safety awareness.

The program is funded through the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and relies on its Verde Valley partners to share the message, provide on-going support and maintain awareness.

As members of the pilot area, City Staff worked with other Verde Valley cities and the Verde Valley Cyclist Coalition to develop a new set of materials that will be tested in a campaign here and rolled out across the State of Arizona if it meets with success.

The message of the safety campaign is to “Be a Roll Model – Share the Road.”

How Can You Be a Roll Model?

Be Aware: Always stay focused on the motorists, cyclists and pedestrians around you. As a pedestrian, you must always be aware of traffic. If you’re walking at night, try to wear light colored clothing so that you stand out in motorists’ headlights. Most importantly, whenever possible, you should cross at a signalized intersection (with a stop sign or traffic light) or at a crosswalk.

Share the Road and Give Five Feet: Many of you have probably seen the signs to “share the road” and wished that cyclists would get out of your way. In fact, as a motorist in Arizona you are required by state law to give cyclists three feet of room between your car and their bicycle. The safety campaign encourages you to give five feet of room to each other as you share the road. Cyclists, in turn, are required to move out of traffic when reasonable, if they are creating a backup behind them.

Ride on the Right: Cyclists often think that if they ride facing oncoming traffic they are safer. The rules of the road state you should ride in the direction of traffic – ride on the right – because motorists are checking for other cars and you to be riding with them. Always ride on the right for safety.

Starting this week you will be hearing the first radio ads and seeing the first print ads about how to be more safe as you walk, bike and drive. The safety campaign will include informational flyers, media advertising, educational events, and even bumper and helmet stickers that help share the message to “Be a Roll Model.” If your business or organization would like to participate in the marketing for this program, please contact Alison Zelms with the City of Sedona at 204-7120 or azelms@SedonaAz.gov.

Remember to “Be a Roll Model - ride on the right and give five feet!”

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