OPEN COLUMN
Riding on some highways a safe option for bicyclists

Editor, the Tribune: In the Tribune’s coverage of the death of bicyclist Robert Duke on Highway 63, a Columbia police official indicated that "people are not supposed to ride bicycles along major highways" and "there’s no reason for someone on a bicycle to be on Highway 63."

In fact, Sections 307.190-191 of the Missouri code allow bicyclists to operate on roads such as Highway 63. In Missouri, bicycling is prohibited only in those places where "No Bicycling" signs are displayed and in the travel lanes of interstate highways because of minimum speed of 40 mph - see 304.011 RSMo.

Extensive studies of bicycling on limited-access highways with wide shoulders have been done by traffic engineers. These studies compare rates of bicycling injuries and fatalities on different types of roads.

For automobiles, freeways have higher speeds but lower death and injury rates.

The studies show the same is true for bicyclists riding along roads such as Highway 63: Wide shoulders, good sight lines and absence of intersection conflicts mean responsible adults bicycling along these highways are as safe as - even safer than - those bicycling on city streets or country roads.

What is difficult and dangerous for those who walk, bicycle and drive is crossing such a high-speed highway.

The numerous recent bicycle and pedestrian fatalities in this area show that, like it or not, many are walking and bicycling there.

Officials need to rethink the wisdom of a 70 mph highway in a populated area. Even Interstate 70 through Columbia has a lower speed limit!

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Brent Hugh, executive director

Missouri Bicycle Federation

5916 Arlington Ave.

Raytown

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