VENTURA, Calif. - The Ventura County Grand Jury released a report this week on bicycle safety in the region, saying the county should do more to create a safer cycling environment.
The civil investigative panel of 19 residents gathered information on bicycle safety and related laws from the Internet, newspapers, magazines and interviews with city and county officials, according to the report released Wednesday.
The grand jury found that in most bicycle deaths, the driver of the motor vehicle was at fault, and the number of fatalities might be reduced if all adults wore helmets.
Better education of the public about bicycle-related laws also is needed, the grand jury said. Some cities have received federal, state or other grant money to work with advisory committees or transportation agencies to educate residents about cycling conditions, the report stated.
“City councils of cities that do not already have a bicycle advisory commission or committee (should) establish one to advise on improving bicycle safety; developing and maintaining bicycle lanes, paths, trails and signage; and encouraging the use of bicycles,” the grand jury recommended.
The county Board of Supervisors and city officials also should work with law enforcement to increase enforcement of bicycle-related laws, the panel said.
Mike Stewart, a member of the Channel Islands Bicycle Club, said “education is always important” but it is difficult to get people to attend meetings or events. Instead, Stewart said, bicycle-safety rules for motorists should be emphasized more on written driver’s license exams.
Stewart said cyclists should be aware of what’s happening on the road and follow all laws, but motorists should give them a little extra room. A law that took effect in September requires drivers to stay at least 3 feet away from bicyclists.
“Common sense a lot of the time has to be applied here by a person driving the car,” Stewart said.
By: Megan Diskin
Ventura Star
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