This is a guest author post that has been reviewed by our staff and approved since it is relevant and beneficial to safe bicycling. As a law office that handles many bike accident injury cases in Missouri and Illinois, we see bike safety as a very important issue. The guest post begins below:
People ride bicycle for many reasons, some use it for travel, some for sports, some for hobby, and there are even some who utilize this amazing two-wheel drive for business. Bicycles existence have lasted for centuries, but its popularity never ceased. It can be primarily due to its usefulness and practicality that sometimes cannot be equaled by other modern vehicles. Moreover, its basic and simple design compared to other transportation mean, has never been a hindrance for bicycles to thrive and stay as they are no matter how plenty of innovations in vehicles have evolved.
Riding bicycles come with plenty of advantages; it does not let out polluting smoke that place the environment in danger, it saves the economy from fuel dependence, it is a cost-efficient drive that can make the biker save transportation budget, and lastly, it benefits the health.
Nowadays, many Americans are supporting creation of communities that promote safety for people who choose to walk or ride their bikes. However, like any other vehicle, bicycles are also subject to laws--laws which are created to protect the pedestrians' interest as well as to let bikers be responsible in their riding. The way bicyclist manipulate their bikes, may it be motorized or not, can make a big difference in the way they ensure the safety of people around a town.
For self-help reasons, below are simplified explanation of "Missouri State Statutes Regarding Bicyclists" so that bikers can follow the law for a responsible and safe bicycling.
- Every person who will ride a bicycle will be given all the right to use the road. The granting of the rights allow bicyclists to be subject to the duties applicable to other vehicle drivers. (307.188)
- Rider of bicycles and motorized bicycles are required to ride at the right side of the roadway to practice safe distance from other motorists. Squeezing past other vehicles is relatively unsafe, no matter what kind of vehicle have you tried to pass with. (307.190)
- Riding a bike in sidewalks within a business district is not allowed. (300.347)
- When a biker is riding on a sidewalk, he or she must yield the right of way to the pedestrian. When overtaking or passing a pedestrian, the biker must give an audible signal before doing so. (300.347)
- Riding a bicycle in the sidewalk while it is attached to another vehicle is prohibited. (300.347)
- Every bicycle or motorized bicycle must be equipped with brake or brakes in working order that will allow the rider to stop the bike within a safe distance of twenty-five feet at a speed of 10 miles/hour on a dry, level, and clean pavement. (307.183)
- Bicyclist who are using the roadways ½ hour before both sunset and sunrise should be equipped with lights and reflectors. This include, front lights, a rear-facing red reflector or a rear-facing red lamp, and night-vision reflective gears that can be incorporated in the riders shoes, lower leg, or crank arms. (307.185). This will ensure that the rider will remain visible under normal night riding condition.
Any person with the age of 17 years or older can receive lawful punishment from violating the Missouri statutes for biking laws. The offender may pay for a fine of five dollars or more than twenty-five dollars upon conviction. If a person under the age of 17 will violate the mandated biking laws, traffic officers may impound the bicycle/motorized bicycle for a period of no longer than five days upon issuance of the violation receipt to the minor riding the bike or to the owner.
About The Author
Jafrum International is one of the fastest growing biking apparels and motorcycle gears outlet in the US would offer quality gears for riders to be used for competitions. Racing and bicycling requires a lot of security and determination. If a racer or a biker wants to avoid injuries, the best way to do is wear safer gears to secure protection. Ride safe!
