Phoenix Safety Campaign Reminds Motorists and Bicyclists to Share the Road Responsibly

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(Phoenix, Ariz.)  —  The city of Phoenix Street Transportation Department has launched Bike Safe Phoenix – a multi-media public awareness campaign to encourage motorists and bicyclists to share the road responsibly.  

“Look Twice for Bikes” and “Follow the Rules of the Road” are some of the key messages featured in the Bike Safe Phoenix campaign to emphasize that both bicyclists and motorists share responsibility when it comes to roadway safety.

The campaign reminds motorists that bicyclists also have the right to operate on the road and urges motorists to respect and drive with caution near people on bicycles. As part of the campaign, bicyclists are reminded to always follow the rules of the road for their safety and those around them. To see a complete listing of the campaign safety related tips and messaging visit this link.

“Biking is becoming more and more popular in Phoenix,” said Mayor Greg Stanton. “As that popularity grows, it’s important that both riders and drivers become hyper aware of one another. That means looking twice for bikes and following the rules of the road.”

The campaign includes public service announcement videos, local radio announcements, bus billboards, social media and print collateral pieces that were conceptualized and developed in-house by the city’s Street Transportation Traffic Services division.

As part of the campaign, residents, pedestrians, commuters and bicyclists are encouraged to make a personal commitment to help make Phoenix’s streets safer for all users of the roadway by taking the Bike Safe Phoenix pledge. Those that make the pledge will be eligible to receive a 20-percent discount on a single Grid Bikeshare annual membership purchase.

“By showing common courtesy and respect when sharing the road with motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, we encourage a safe transportation environment for all,” said Councilwoman Thelda Williams, chair of the City Council’s Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee.

“With miles of new bike lanes in the works citywide and in District 3, this is a great time for a new, more comprehensive bike safety campaign,” Councilman Bill Gates said. “As more bicyclists use city streets, this is a great reminder that everyone has to work together to share the road.”

“As a first responder myself, I know that making roads safe for bicycles can be a matter of life and death,” said Vice Mayor Daniel Valenzuela. “This campaign encourages everyone who uses our roads to know and observe the rules, look out for one another, and make public safety a shared responsibility.” 

“With the bicycle master plan and the walkable urban code, the city has shown it understands the importance of bike transportation to connected, dynamic neighborhoods,” Councilwoman Kate Gallego said. “This campaign encourages cooperation between all road users and ensures that as more cyclists take to the streets, they can do so safely.”

In addition to the campaign, the Street Transportation Department continues to focus on improving and expanding the city’s bicycling infrastructure. Recently the department installedwrong-way signs, along popular bicycling corridors, to discourage bicyclists from riding against traffic and made some significant changes to the lane markings at the intersections on 15thAvenue, in central Phoenix, to reduce conflicts between bicyclists and turning motorists.

For information about the city’s bicycle program and the Bike Safe Phoenix campaign visit this link.