Share the Road License Plates being distributed

After years of hard work by the Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation, the first batch of 1000+ Share the Road License Plates are in the process of being distributed throughout the state. (Photograph courtesy of Jim Mead.) Some people have already received letters from their counties informing them about picking up their plate orders. A lucky few have already received their plates by now.

Reaching this point is quite a milestone in terms of cycling advocacy throughout the state. What are future milestones that we can aspire to? In the near future anyone will be able to get such a plate for his/her car (this initial batch of 1000 was by pre-registration only.)

Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation - Share the Road License Plates

The Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation deadline for obtaining at least 1000 specialty license plate pre-orders has been extended by a year. The current number of orders is displayed above. Pre-orders are being accepted online. Only when 1000 pre-orders have been obtained can the plates go into production.

The license plates are a great way to support the Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation, as well as promote awareness of the 3 ft passing law and cycling in general. Families with multiple cars can sign up for multiple plates, up to the number of cars owned. The plates also make a wonderful gift for anyone who's a cyclist. If everyone who's already signed up signs up one more person or plate, this plate will finally become reality!

Earth Day at Vanderbilt

This was by far the most receptive group with which I have dealt.  Sharing a ride with Tom assured we got there and set up 30 min before the official start. Even so, I didn't have a chance to survey the other exhibits before people began approaching  us.  The message was easy, statewide group advocating for better infrastructure, laws and culture to advance walking and cycling as legitimate forms of transportation and if you like that, join us. We have had enough recent issues to make specific pitches to each person's interests.  Bike Walk Tennessee is an easier sell than the 3-feet license plate. About the only people expressing any interest for the license plate had already ordered.

One message repeatedly came back to us.  Cyclists are behaving badly in downtown Nashville. Even among folks who considered themselves regular cyclists, there is a concern for how we are a bunch of scofflaws.  Some were knowledgeable enough to give us a pass on the homeless, etc. but will hold our feet to the fire when it's the guys in full kit blowing though red lights and swerving in and out of lines of stalled traffic.   I'll admit to doing all that before becoming a role model.  We must spread the word that we are all role models.  As Tom has mentioned in an email, this is  perfect example of education for the 501(c)3.

Even if none of the folks sign up, it was a good experience. I encourage all the directors to take advantage of similar opportunities.  Group bike rides seem a good place to sell Bike Walk Tennessee but it is much better to meet people in venues such as the Vanderbilt Clean Air Fair.
Bruce

Share the Road License Plate - Cycology Bicycles

As previously mentioned, there is a June 2011 deadline for 1000 3 ft law/share the road license plate orders for the plate to go into production. As of today, the Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation is reporting 252 orders so far. Cycology Bicycles in Maryville is offering a special promotion in support of this cause. If people go there and sign up there for a plate for $35, they will receive a $20 gift card from Cycology for anything in the store.

Share the Road License Plates - Deadline extended to June 2011

The Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation is trying to get people to sign up for "Share the Road" (3 ft law) specialty license plates. They need at least 1000 pre-orders by June 2011 for the plates to go into production, and as of today, they only have 189 orders. The deadline was already extended once; it's unlikely to be extended again. Please consider signing up for this worthy cause.

Driver's License Manual

Good news- I spoke with TDOS today and the revised driver's license manuals with the 'Share the Road' section are currently at the print shop.  They should be printed and released in approx. 2 to three months.  A test question is being prepared to be added after the new comprehensive manual is released.

Also- TDOS operates a motor vehicle network displayed on big-screens in the regional driver service stations.  The network features safety messages targeted towards drivers and, as of April, they now have a '3 foot rule' spot AND a Share the Road spot playing on the network!  Unfortunately these can only be viewed at the driver service stations so there's no link for me to forward to you, but I was able to view it at the station over on Hart Lane near my house.  Very cool! 

Jessica.L.Wilson@tn.gov
TDOT Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator

Update on the Bicycle Accident in Greene County

The case involving Andrew Chase, the Comcast Cable truck driver who struck and injured cyclist Jay Westbrook nearly a year ago, was to go to trial yesterday. Mr. Chase retained a new lawyer in the middle of the process who was granted more time to prepare. The new trial date is set for Sept. 7. Bike Walk Tennessee will continue to stay abreast of this case and will provide updates as they come along. As I understand it, Mr. Chase has been charged with violating the 3 foot law and aggravated assault. You can read about the accident in the Greeneville Sun.