EDINBURG – Bikes. Cars. Feet.
These are the things that move us across the street. Each type of transportation has a set of rules to follow, but what happens when one group doesn’t comply?
“People on their bikes just go on the street,” said kinesiology major Jamie Gomez. “Sometimes without even stopping or looking both ways.”
Cyclist safety is an issue at UTRGV. Several times a year, cyclists are struck by vehicles. UTRGV PD tell us how this issue can be avoided.
“If you are a pedestrian or cyclist on the road you need to be aware of the blind spot that cars have,” said UTRGV PD Assistant Chief Adan Cruz. “Slowing down, making eye contact before you enter the roadway could go a long way to preventing accidents.”
While some people believe pedestrians always have the right of way, Chapter 552 of the Texas Transportation Code tells another story. Section 3 (b) (a) states that “a pedestrian may not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and proceed into the path of a vehicle.” This situation has law enforcement encouraging safe measures for everyone.
“There’s a committee that’s been formed with the university,” said Cruz. “They’re looking at all sorts of options.”
How do motorists feel about this?
“I think cyclists have gotten a little out of hand,” said Gomez. “That would be something for the city to do. If they don’t do it, it’s just going to get worse.”
No matter what form of transportation you take, remember to share the road and follow traffic laws.
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