Prompted by a recent incident when one of group of cyclists was hit by a motorist on Middle Road a few days ago, the meeting was organized by a group of cyclists and some members of the community who are concerned about ill-informed and discourteous drivers.
The agenda include giving the participants the opportunity to air their ideas and comments about biking safety on Saipan.
After a wrap up of the meeting, a mountain bike ride will follow.
Meanwhile, even prior to the meeting, some members of the community have already come up with their own bike safety suggestions aimed at increasing bike opportunities and safety through greater drivers’ education and enforcement of road rules.
Once the effort turns successful, the organizers of the meeting wants to see in the future safer cycling, increase riding ops, and reduce vehicle- caused bicycle injuries and fatalities.
The group also wishes to work close with the CNMI government in achieving the goal.
Possible grants is also seen to be among the means that can help provide the cyclists the safest road possible.
Besides public awareness campaign, revisiting road manual’s bicycle safety and proposals for “Safe Roads for Bikes” legislation are also among the concrete actions that can be done collaboratively.
Last week, a bike rider was hit by a taxi on Middle Road. Although the biker sustained no physical injuries, the incident frightened those who witnessed.
Manny Sitchon, a member of bikers group told Variety that many bikers who were behind the supposed victim saw how the taxi side wiped the biker.
