Cycling and drivers ed

[BKocka]

I'm sure you all are getting sick of me posting about this but I think it is important, and I would appreciate your feed back.

I have a phone conference schdualed with Senator Scott Dibble on July 11th about implimenting in the curiculum of drivers education, the rights and regulations of cyclist.

I need to know what others opinions are of this matter, and what they want to see done about this. We already have the MNDOT share the road stuff, but if there is anything else that anyone wants to see talked about when I speak to him, please let me know and I will mention it on your behalf.

pm me, or just leave a new post on this thread.

thanks you guys.

(i blame my involvment in this on shad....;) )

[BKocka]

it make me sad that no one has anything they want spoken for to our government officials.....

[Bikerkid]

I think that it would be good to show that bikes are a viable mode of transportation, and that we need to be respected on the road, that what I want to see brought up in drivers ed. I'm tired of almost being run over!!

[jkalla]

Is there a mandated curiculum for driver's ed and are they required to devote time to traffic laws pertaining to bicycles? Has anyone looked at the drivers license booklet that is used to prepare people for the written test? I am wondering how many pages they have for bicycle related traffic laws.

[BKocka]

yes there is a state mandated curiculum for driver's ed classes in the state of Minnesota, and no there is no section devoted to teaching on bicycle traffic laws, etc. Tomorrow when I get to work I will post the link that pulls up the approved curiculum.

also, in the drivers manual booklet there is a section regaurding traffic laws in regards to both motor cycles and bicycles, but again, not mention of these vehicles is required in drivers ed class. I will also post the internet link to the MNDOT Drivers Manual tomorrow when I get to work.

this is what the phone conferance on July 11th is regaurding.

thanks for the responses. They are truly appreciated you guys.

[Nickel]

I think it is really great that you are opening this discussion up with the Senator.

I know this isn't related to driver's ed but I wish there was a small rules manual that you get when you buy a bike. I see people biking down the wrong side of the street, not signaling on turns, on the sidewalk knocking over old ladies...they don't realize that they are vehicles too.

[BKocka]

actually there is a mini manual with the laws of cycling from MNDOT's share the road program. However they are free and optional at bike shops, and they don't force them on cyclist. Also, not all bike shops carry them, but its a good thing to have because if you get stopped by a cop and they say you are doing something wrong and you know you arent you can pull your your little manual and prove them wrong.

as for the links to the curiculm....

http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/arule/7411/0515.html (http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/arule/7411/0515.html)

and the link to the drivers manual....

http://www.dps.state.mn.us/dvs/DLTraining/DLManual/PDF/2005%20D%20Chapter%204.pdf (http://www.dps.state.mn.us/dvs/DLTraining/DLManual/PDF/2005%20D%20Chapter%204.pdf)

so there ya'll go.

[AC/BC]

on the sidewalk knocking over old ladies...they don't realize that they are vehicles too.

:shocked: not old ladies!

[BKocka]

again, if anyone has anything they want spoken about they have approx. 24 hours to tell me about it on this forum because I am talking with Scott Dibble tomorrow, July 11th at 12:00pm.

[Nickel]

Maybe in addition to drivers ed, there can be some sort of pamphlet available.... say where you renew your tags and at the DMV so there is more exposure to post-teen drivers.

[BKocka]

Maybe in addition to drivers ed, there can be some sort of pamphlet available.... say where you renew your tags and at the DMV so there is more exposure to post-teen drivers.

would you like me to quote you and/or say this on your behalf, or add it as a thought of "mine"?

[Nickel]

Oh I don't care, you can just incorporate it into your presentation/discussion....I just wanted to see if it seemed like a good idea. I hope the meeting goes well!

[BKocka]

thanks. It will be incorporated.