Be careful when peddling around town!
Columnist (and cycling commuter) Anthony Siracusa has brought an upcoming event to our attention through his recent article with the Commercial Appeal, “Cycle for Safety Event to Increase Awareness.” On May 3, the Memphis Thunder Triathlon Racing Team will be holding its third annual Cycle for Safety event in the memory of Cory Horton, a cyclist killed by a car in 2005.
The Memphis Thunder also hopes to raise awareness of their new signs, sprinkled across Collierville, reminding us and you that “3 Feet It’s the Law” means that you must give a cyclist a three-foot space when passing them in a car. The event will have a fun 5-mile ride as well as two longer rides at 34 and 52 miles each. You can still register for any of these rides at http://www.memphisthunderracing.com.
It seems that this event can’t come quickly enough. Just last week another biker was hit and killed here in the Memphis area. This time it occurred on Highway 64 in Fayette County. Robert Firehammer, a 51 year old retired Navy captain was hit and killed while riding his bike on the shoulder of Highway 64. (more about this accident can be found at the commercialappeal.com
I love Memphis, but it’s not a great community for bike riding. My office is only 1.5 miles from my home and I’d love to be able to ride to work. However, to do so is difficult and dangerous. The city streets are built without regard to bike riders. This is something that the city, suburbs and county need to do something about. The new purchase of the railroad right-of-way from Midtown to Shelby Farms is a step in the right direction, but an aggressive stance needs to be taken by someone to make the more of the city and county safe for bikers.
In the meantime,
