Missouri State Highway Patrol brings awareness to bicycle safety

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri State Highway Patrol's Troop F is bringing awareness to bicycle safety.

On August 2, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reposted a post from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stating that August is the deadliest month for cyclists.

According to the NHTSA, 1,105 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2022. 11 of those deaths happened in Missouri.

Columbia is well known for its bike-friendly culture, with the city being ranked 46 out of 100 in a list of best biking cities in America.

According to the City of Columbia, the city has spent more than $28.3 million since 2006 on pedestrian-focused travel, such as trails, pedestrian signs, and sidewalks.

In June, Columbia's Public Works Administration refreshed bike lanes throughout the city with a fresh coat of reflective paint.

The City of Columbia encourages bikers to use the provided bike lanes, standard hand signs, and proper safety and reflective gear to keep all commuters safe.

Drivers are reminded to share the road with cyclists by staying alert and respectful. According to city code 16-145, harassing cyclists by shouting, honking, and throwing objects is against the law.

Columbia also has a park and trail directory, that details over 100 bicycle-friendly parks and trails across the city.