Yesterday was a historic day for cyclists and the cycling community in the state of Mississippi; the John Paul Frerer Bicycle Safety Act went into effect. Many of us have pushed for the bill for several years now, working with legislators and tweaking it along the way.

This year, we gave it a specific name. John Paul was a cyclists in north MS. He was riding his bicycle one morning, during a training ride and was struck by a truck and died.

By giving the bill a name, it signified the reality that cycling is a dangerous sport.

However, the law further defines the relationship between cyclists and motorists. It puts stipulations upon cyclists and their responsibility to obey traffic laws, and it also requires respect from motorists. Rather than treating cyclists as a separate entity, with no rights to the roads, the bill acknowledges our right to the road and further requires that motorists provide “3 Feet” when safely passing.

Ridgeland has made great strides to make the city a safer place to enjoy cycling. Just this year, it was named “Bike Friendly” through the League of American Bicyclists. David Williams, city engineer, created a sign to bring awareness to motorists and cyclists about the new law. They are strategically placed throughout the city.

I am working with other cities and organizations to adopt the sign as a state standard. A group of Jackson Metro Cyclists members gathered together yesterday to have a photo shoot with the new sign.

As motorists and/or cyclists, we have a responsibility to uphold safety to the highest degree. Yesterday was a call to everyone in the state of MS to acknowledge that responsibility in light of a growing cycling community.

On a side note, we are only one of fifteen or sixteen states with such a law. It is a huge accomplishment for us as a state, and we should be very proud.