RANDY PENCH / rpench@sacbee.com
A "ghost bike" serves as a memorial to Sacramento State University student Arlene Sasse, who was killed near the campus.Forum near memorial promotes bicycle safety awareness
East Sacramento residents gathered Sunday for a forum on bicycle safety just blocks from where two "ghost bikes" memorialize cyclists killed in collisions with motor vehicles.
One ghost bike – a white-painted bicycle at J Street and Carlson Drive – is a memorial to Arlene Sasse, 22, a Sacramento State University student killed there April 1. Police said the driver didn't see Sasse, whose bicycle lacked lights or reflectors.
The makeshift memorial for the fallen cyclist "speaks to awareness," said Deane Dana, chairman of the McKinley Eastsac Neighborhood Association's Safety Committee.
The association organized the forum at East Sac Bike at 56th and H streets. Sunday was the start of National Bike Month.
Speakers urged drivers to be aware of cyclists, and cyclists to be aware of cars.
Sasse's former college roommate, Brandi McGee, spoke at the event, calling her friend's death a tragedy for those who knew her and for the driver.
Sgt. David Valdez, head of the Sacramento Police Department's bike unit, urged cyclists and drivers to "be courteous. Everybody has to coexist," he said.
Riders must follow the rules of the road, including stopping for traffic lights, Valdez said. Anyone under 18 must wear a helmet. Adults should, too, to protect themselves and set an example, he said. Also, wear bright clothing. Maintain your bike so the brakes work.
Ed Cox, the city of Sacramento's bicycle coordinator, said he'd looked at 10 years of data on collisions between bikes and cars and found a major cause: riding on the wrong side of the road.
Cyclists might feel it's safer for them to ride against traffic to see oncoming cars, he said, but "motorists aren't expecting you there."
Cox said he'd also noticed a huge spike in accidents among riders in their early teens. Parents think the teenagers are old enough to be on their own, yet they lack basic cycling skills, he said.
"They're the ones getting hit the most," he said.
The city is working to add more bike lanes downtown and to build bike bridges, Cox said.
One ghost bike – a white-painted bicycle at J Street and Carlson Drive – is a memorial to Arlene Sasse, 22, a Sacramento State University student killed there April 1. Police said the driver didn't see Sasse, whose bicycle lacked lights or reflectors.
The makeshift memorial for the fallen cyclist "speaks to awareness," said Deane Dana, chairman of the McKinley Eastsac Neighborhood Association's Safety Committee.
The association organized the forum at East Sac Bike at 56th and H streets. Sunday was the start of National Bike Month.
Speakers urged drivers to be aware of cyclists, and cyclists to be aware of cars.
Sasse's former college roommate, Brandi McGee, spoke at the event, calling her friend's death a tragedy for those who knew her and for the driver.
Sgt. David Valdez, head of the Sacramento Police Department's bike unit, urged cyclists and drivers to "be courteous. Everybody has to coexist," he said.
Riders must follow the rules of the road, including stopping for traffic lights, Valdez said. Anyone under 18 must wear a helmet. Adults should, too, to protect themselves and set an example, he said. Also, wear bright clothing. Maintain your bike so the brakes work.
Ed Cox, the city of Sacramento's bicycle coordinator, said he'd looked at 10 years of data on collisions between bikes and cars and found a major cause: riding on the wrong side of the road.
Cyclists might feel it's safer for them to ride against traffic to see oncoming cars, he said, but "motorists aren't expecting you there."
Cox said he'd also noticed a huge spike in accidents among riders in their early teens. Parents think the teenagers are old enough to be on their own, yet they lack basic cycling skills, he said.
"They're the ones getting hit the most," he said.
The city is working to add more bike lanes downtown and to build bike bridges, Cox said.
Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/05/02/3593936/forum-near-memorial-promotes-bicycle.html#ixzz1Yip0yLx6
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