The City of Wichita Falls has just released information about a new public safety campaign aimed at keeping bicyclists safe on Texoma roadways. A press release was issued last week to promote the “Share the Dadgum Road” campaign. The City of Wichita Falls, in conjunction with the Traffic Safety Commission, has produced three different commercials aimed at raising awareness for cyclists on the roads. The commercials encourage motorists and bicyclists to look out for each other and engage in safe practices while sharing the roads.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cyclist deaths accounted for 2 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2011. Of the total 677 pedalcyclist deaths that occurred in 2011, 9 percent of those were children ages 14 and younger. They also report that males are disproportionately represented in cyclist deaths for that age group. Of those children, 69 percent of them were males. The City of Wichita Falls is certainly taking a step in the right direction with their safety campaign. The NHTSA is currently advocating for states to take initiative for their cyclists’ safety by implementing comprehensive bicycle safety programs. They state that programs should include the promotion of safe practices, driver education and information about safely sharing roadways with cyclists.