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May 6, 2004

Elizabeth Kaufman

Secretary White Announces May is National Bike Month
Urges Drivers and Bicyclists to Share the Road Safely

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White reminded drivers and bicyclists that May is National Bike Month.

"It's important that as drivers and cyclists we are alert and aware of each other especially during this time of year when the weather is warmer and when there are more cars and bikes sharing the roads," White said. "Let's make sure that we keep one another safe while driving a car or riding a bicycle."

According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• In 2002, 662 bicyclists were killed and an additional 48, 000 were injured in traffic crashes.
• More than one-fifth of the bicyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2002 were between 5 and 15 years old.
• In 2002, there were 22 bicyclist fatalities in Illinois.

White reminded bicyclists that the Bike Rules of the Road pamphlets are available at the 136 driver's facilities across the state.

To bring awareness to the issue of bike safety, on May 20th in Springfield, White will be announcing the winners of the 2004 Bicycle Poster Contest.

The Secretary of State's Traffic Safety Unit is also conducting bicycle presentations throughout the summer.

In 2003, the Traffic Safety Unit did 408 Bicycle/Pedestrian presentations reaching 30,199 children statewide.

To find out about available bicycle presentations in your area, please visit the website at www.cyberdriveillinois.com or call the toll free Traffic Safety Hotline at 1-866-247-0213.