Vermont Road Users Rally for Safety
When: Friday, Sept. 25th, 5:30pm
Where: State House Lawn, State House, Montpelier, 05601
Parking: Non-motorized transportation to the event is encouraged, however, families and kids or those needing to drive can ride bicycles locally by parking at the Department of Labor lot on Green Mountain Drive and taking the bike path for a half mile to come near Taylor Street within easy reach of the State House. Parking is also available at the DMV lot opposite the State House. Here is a link to some local parking options: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/10447051.
Pricing: Free and open to the public
Who should go?: You, family, friends. We need to fill the state house lawn with people of all ages and abilities on bikes. We are looking for a large turnout at this event!
Why?: Sadly, we have lost four Vermont cyclists in 2015 and some road dangers persist.
Objectives of the rally: This is a call for you to join the rally in a show of unity as part of a multi-pronged approach to increase safety of cyclists, and other non-motorized users, on Vermont roads. A new PSA from the Governor's Highway Safety Program will be launched in response to the fatal bike crashes and the Vermont Highway Safety Alliances Road User Pledge will be launched in response to the fatal bike crashes and the Vermont Highway Safety Alliances Road User Pledge will be introduced. Currently there are many conversations going on within the agencies and the legislative committees about how to respond to these tragedies. Lt. Gov. Phil Scott, legislative leaders, representatives of AAA, Vermont State Police, Local Motion and others will talk about how we can make our roads safe. You will have a chance to speak with elected officials and share your ideas. A strong showing of people on bikes will demonstrate to those in leadership positions the importance of addressing road safety issues. We also hope to have strong visuals through major media channels. High attendance will place advocacy groups in a stronger position to press for needed changes in laws, policy, and enforcement to increase our safety on the roads.
Working on (by Local Motion): music, free food, some giveaways for attendees.
Contact for more information: Phone: 802-861-2700 (Local Motion) Richard Tom Foundation (RTF): Richard Tom lost his life due to a speeding motorist on an otherwise quiet Sunday morning, April 26 as he set off for a ride. Many of us were affected in a deep and profound way by the loss of Richard from our cycling community. The Richard Tom Foundation was quickly formed as a charity foundation with the objectives of preserving Richard’s legacy through fun cycling events and also to address bike safety issues. RTF will have a tent at the Rally with information about the foundation and we will be accepting donations. RTF funds were recently used to support the first ever Kids’ Crit that was a part of the GMSR Stage Race/Dealer.com Criterium in Burlington on Labor Day. Participating children had a blast cycling through the city to the sound of cheering crowds! The Board of Directors of RTF is currently drawing up plans and building funds to support our Annual Ride for Richard which will be introduced in 2016. See more atwww.richardtomfoundation.com.
Additional sources of information: Website: highwaysafety.vermont.gov. Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1655781064698443/ Thanks for reading and hope to see you there!
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