Bike Month focuses on biking in Mississippi

New Albany is all about biking, with increasing numbers of locals and tourists taking to the streets and trails in our area. But do you know the rules of the road for bikers? Are you sometimes confused by bicycle paths? Check out this information from MDOT for responsible biking. And remember, auto drivers are also responsible for knowing and observing the rights of bikers.

May is National Bike Month. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling—and encourage more Mississippians to give biking a try.

There are many reasons why people ride bikes.

Whether you bike to work or school, ride to save money or time, pump those pedals to preserve your health or the environment, or simply to explore your community, National Bike Month is an opportunity to celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons people ride. Later this month, National Bike to Work Week is being held May 15-19 and Bike to Work Day is May 19.

With its broad, flat landscapes, authentic natural hills and moderate climate, Mississippi is ideal for year-round cycling. As the bicycle culture increases throughout the state, there is more focus on the importance of bicycle safety.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) understands the value in bicycling. Every occupied bicycle on or near a Mississippi highway is recognized as a transportation vehicle. Intended for the bicyclists traveling in the state, riders should understand they share all entitlements and accountabilities of a motor vehicle handler. This includes riding on the right side of the road with the movement of traffic, exercising hand signals and conforming to stop signs.

An important goal for MDOT is that all modes of transportation safely coexist, including bicyclists and pedestrians. The Mississippi Bicycle and Pedestrian Program provides information for those that choose to bike and walk around the beautiful state of Mississippi.

Find more information, including MDOT’s Bicycle Guide, first-rate county and city maps, and data on traffic volumes at www.GoMDOT.com/BikeandPed. Follow @MississippiDOT and use the hashtag #BikeMonth to keep up with the conversation online throughout the month.

Cyclists are also encouraged to use the Official Mississippi Highway Map to navigate the state via bicycle, available for order along with the Bicycle Guide, at www.GoMDOT.com/maps.  The map includes a mileage chart, an index of all counties, cities and towns, as well as indexes for state parks, National Forest recreational areas, National Parks, Corps of Engineers recreational areas, and the Highway Safety Patrol districts.

About MS bicycle laws and bicycle paths.