Cycling plate needs buyers
If they commit, Ky. will sell it
By Andrea Remke
Enquirer staff writer
VILLA HILLS - Ben Bishop is no Lance Armstrong. But the 63-year-old
retired IRS
worker from Villa Hills is just as passionate about bicycling.
That's why Bishop has been taking time out of his cycling schedule - which
sometimes takes him on trips up to 25-75 miles a day - to spread the word
about
a proposed specialty license plate promoting bicycling and running.
In order for the plate to become a reality, 900 people need to apply for
it by
Sept. 1. As of Friday, the number of applications was at 555.
The "Share the Road" plate, which depicts two cyclists and a runner in
colorful
shades of blue, green and red, is intended to make drivers aware of the
need to
pay attention to bikers and runners, said Bishop, who has been biking
since
1972.
"We want to make people more aware that bikes are out there," he said.
"It goes two ways - we watch out for cars too - but obviously it's more
dangerous on a bike."
Bishop, a member of the Kentucky Bicycle and Bikeway Commission, said
other
states including Ohio, Texas and Florida already have similar "Share the
Road"
plates in circulation.
The application fee for the plate is $28, which covers the cost of a 2006
license plate. Donations to the bike commission are voluntary, he said.
"There are a lot of people here with interest," Bishop said.
"I think it's good idea. I'm sure there are probably a lot more than 900
people
that bike in this state."
One of the goals of the commission, Bishop said, is to "make bicycling
better in
the state."
That means working to get more bike trails, or abandoned railway trails as
bike
trails, Bishop said.
One of the goals of Covington-based Forward Quest/Vision 2015 and its
livable
communities initiative is to build a river path bicycle route from
Campbell
County to Boone County along Ky. 8.
Mike Hammons, Forward Quest president, said although funding has been
difficult,
it's worth it.
"It's probably the most-used path to bike in Northern Kentucky," Hammons
said of
Ky. 8. "There are many bikers, especially from Cincinnati, who come here
to
bike."
Hammons said areas along the river in Boone County, including Rabbit Hash,
are
popular with cyclists and would be ideal for trails.
According to the Kentucky Rails to Trail Council, a nonprofit group that
facilitates the conservation of greenways and railroad rights-of-way as
trails
for public use, the Commonwealth ranks 45th in total rail-trail mileage at
just
21 miles of rail-trails.
Bishop said the timing is right for the "Share the Road" plate. He said he
has
heard some neighbors say the state's replacement for the smiley-face sun
plate -
the Unbridled Spirit plate - is "too bland."
"This (cycling plate) may spark some interest," he said.
For information on the plate, visit www.sharetheroadky.com.
E-mail aremke@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
for motorists:
Before passing a cyclist, look to see if there is loose debris on the
pavement
that might cause him to move into the center of the lane. Pass a cyclist
only
when it can be done safely, and give ample room (3 feet) between your car
and
the cyclist.
Look for cyclists. Because of their narrow profile you will need to
develop your
eye-scanning patterns to include bicyclists.
When you are turning right after passing a cyclist, leave ample room so
you
don't cut him off when you slow for your turn.
At night be extra alert, and don't use your high beams as they will
temporarily
blind the cyclist.
Source: Kentucky Driver's Manual
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