Did you know that twenty pedestrians and bicyclists are hit in Spokane County every month? Today, the City of Spokane announced they're expanding Stickman Knows, our local bicycle, pedestrian, and motorist safety campaign with the latest message: “Don’t compete. Share the street.” 

As you go around town, you'll notice the latest segment of the campaign includes radio and print messages, and new billboards. Spokane Regional Health District first launched Stickman Knows last year to increase pedestrian, cyclist, and motorist safety. The City of Spokane now is joining the effort and hopes you will, too.

The City needs the help of citizens to have a safe and fun-filled summer. They said they're seeing more pedestrians and cyclists on streets than in the past. (Yes!) So, as you move through Spokane this summer, the City, with the help of Stickman Knows, would like to encourage all street users to follow the rules of the road, especially at crosswalks—marked or unmarked—where most collisions occur.

The campaign includes the following rules of the road and safety tips:

• Pedestrians, always cross at corners or in crosswalks.

• Pedestrians, before crossing a street, look left, right, then left again.

• Pedestrians, make sure you're visible to drivers, wear bright and/or reflective clothing.

• Bicyclists, always stop at traffic lights and stop signs.

• Bicyclists, ride with traffic, not against it.

• Bicyclists, you're safer when a driver knows what to expect. Obey traffic laws and ride like the vehicle you are. Be predictable.

• Motorists, bicyclists have all the same rights on the road as drivers.

• Motorists, watch for bicyclists and pedestrians, especially at intersections and particularly when turning.

“Working together, we can reduce the number of collisions and improve safety for all users of the road,” says Grant Wencel, the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator.

Additionally, today through June 10th, is Traffic Awareness and Pedestrian Safety Week hosted by the Community Assembly’s Pedestrian, Transportation, and Traffic Committee (PeTT). During the week, drivers are reminded to slow down, obey speed limits, and become more aware of pedestrians, making Spokane neighborhoods safer and more livable—a perfect tie-in to Stickman Knows.

As part of the campaign, law enforcement officers will be keeping an eye out for people not following the rules of the road with emphasis on six different busy arterial streets including: Division, Browne, Nevada, Monroe, and Crestline streets, and State Route 291.

For more safety tips, go to www.StickmanKnows.org. And, watch for information throughout the year.

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