SHARE THE ROAD THIS SUMMER!

May kicks off the bicycle commuting season in our community. Each May, the Bicycle Commuter Contest is held and this year the contest drew over 1,500 cyclists to our streets. Through the summer and into the fall, many cyclists will continue to bike to work and school. Steve Hall, Olympia’s City Manager, participates in the contest each year and bikes to work periodically during the warmer months of the year

Steve has a few reminders for drivers and bicyclists during these warmer months when more cyclists are on our streets. “Our City staff is aware of some common conflicts between bicyclists and cars. Here are a few points to keep in mind as you share the road this summer:

• As a driver, a bicyclist in the stream of traffic may not be immediately visible to you. Always keep a look out for the smaller profile of a bicyclist.
• Bicyclists have the right to be in travel lanes. Pass a bicyclist with caution. Treat them as a slow moving vehicle.
• When you slow down to make a right turn, look behind you and make sure there are no approaching bicyclists.

As a bicyclist, behave predictably and obey traffic laws just as a vehicle would. Never ride against the flow of traffic in a bike lane.
With these safety tips in mind, please respectfully share the road and enjoy these warm, sunny days.

Visit our biking page for more information about how the City of Olympia promotes bicycling for transportation and recreation. 

Contact Public Works at (360) 753-8588, or email us for more information about Public Works programs and services.