Liz Neuner, [email protected] , (314)-504-8165
The LSU Cycling Club will not be implementing any new safety measures this year following the hit and run involving graduate student, Michael Bitton, last May.
“We’ve always worn helmets, ” Cycling Club president, Brennan Percy said,  “Wearing a helmet is not necessarily mandatory, but people have had the sense to wear them.”
Bitton is currently in his hometown of London, Canada, receiving treatment.
Percy says in addition to helmets, staying on the far right side of the road and cycling on biker friendly areas are other ways the Cycling Club stays safe.
“We’ve always been as safe as we possibly can be.” Percy added, “When you’re being as safe as possible, it’s hard to be safer.”
In 2009 Louisiana Senate unanimously passed the “Colin Goodier Bicycle Protection Act” making it illegal for motorists to be within three feet of a pedestrian or cyclists on the road.
The law is named after LSU Medical School graduate Colin Goodier who was struck and killed by a motorist while training for a triathlon on River Road in 2008.
New laws and groups such as the Baton Rouge Advocates for Safe Streets (BRASS) and the LSU Cycling Club are actively promoting a bicycling lifestyle.
“The best way to promote advocacy is to get more people on bikes.” Percy said.
Governmental, bicyclist and pedestrian cooperation is only one half of the equation when it comes to keeping roads safe. Motorists need to fill in the other half by being “courteous,” according to Percy.
“Cyclists are human beings too. We get trucks with LSU football stickers honk at us. I’m wearing an LSU jersey but I’m not seen as an LSU student.” Percy said of those less than willing to share the road.
Some feel motorists are the biggest problems on the road, especially around campus.
“My friend was riding in the street one night coming back to our apartment and these dudes in a Tahoe honked at him,” said LSU senior Clayotn Rougelot, “My friend flipped them off and the people in the Tahoe opened the door and knocked him off his bike.”
Regardless of which mode of transportation used, being alert and aware can keep everyone on the road safe.
In the upcoming year the Cycling Club plans to have a flat tire change clinic in free speech alley and 100 mile ride to New Orleans including 10 week training plan which is open to all.
 The cycling club is also still accepting bike parts, which will be sold on Ebay with the proceeds going to theBitton family.
 
 
 
Sources:
Brennan Percy, President LSU Cycling [email protected]
Clayton Rougelot, 985-264-9547
http://www.brsafestreets.org/about-brass
http://lsucycling.org/index.php
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/police/19705399.html
http://www.louisiana3feet.com/Default.aspx