Checkpoints Will Revive Campaign to Share Roads

Bike activists to team up with cops tomorrow.

By Mark Prado, Marin Independent Journal

With stretches of roadway in Marin County among the most dangerous places to bicycle in the Bay Area, bike representatives and law enforcement will team up tomorrow to remind people to share the road.

"Things have improved," said Fairfax police Officer James O'Callaghan, who sees a host of bikes come through town and has helped lead efforts to get bicyclists and motorists on the same page. "But there is that animosity that does exist."

Tomorrow, the Fairfax and San Anselmo police departments, along with the California Highway Patrol and the sheriff's office, will conduct "Share the Road" checkpoints in various locations to pass out literature about the need for motorists and bicyclists to cooperate.

"Some people still do not understand what 'Share the Road' means," said Deb Hubsmith, executive director of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition, who said motorists and bicyclists need to follow the rules. "Both bicyclists and motorists do things to infuriate each other. We want to make sure people are safe out there."

And, in parts of Marin, that is not happening.

While the unincorporated area of Marin ranks 28th in population in the Bay Area, it is tied for 10th highest in bicycle accidents and fatalities, according to the California Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

The report, based on 2002 statistics, showed two fatalities in unincorporated areas and 41 injuries. The report says visitors to Marin might be the reason for the high number of bike-versus-vehicle accidents.

In 2000, the county and Caltrans began putting up black and yellow "Share the Road" signs along Highway 1 and other areas of West Marin.

Bicyclists who blow through stop signs are subject to $120 fines. A new program - which will be announced tomorrow - involving the bicycle coalition, Marin General Hospital, Marin law enforcement and Marin Superior Court provides a fee reduction for cyclists who receive traffic citations if they take a two-hour bicycle safety class taught by the coalition. The program is sponsored by Marin General Hospital and classes will take place at its Greenbrae facility.

"We are stressing common courtesy and common sense," O'Callaghan said. "This is about safety."

Contact Mark Prado via e-mail at mprado@marinij.com