About the only place I haven’t seen a ‘Share the Road’ sign is outside my bedroom window,” said Tom Beaulieu, an avid bicyclist and one of the driving forces behind Cicero’s “Share the Road” initiative.
Three and a half years ago, the first STR signs were installed on Island Road in Cicero. Now, the town contains 30 miles of road safe for beginning bicyclists and seasoned riders alike.
“I’ve enjoyed riding the back roads and the lakeside for over 25 years in our town, but I was always intrigued by the idea of a designed bike grid to attract others to our beautiful town and its perfect blend of roads,” Beaulieu said.
Jim Corl Jr., former town supervisor, said Beaulieu was “instrumental” in bringing the initiative to the town.
“The project was first initiated by residents of Cicero that expressed interest in having this sort of coordinated trail,” Corl said.
Beaulieu approached the Onondaga County Department of Transportation about installing STR signs on Island Road, but he said the DOT was hesitant at first because of the required four-foot shoulder width. Town Highway Superintendent Chris Woznica agreed to sign several town roads and now there are STR signs on Thompson, Cicero Center, Whitting, Bartell and Eastwood roads.
Corl helped the citizens coordinate with the town highway department and the DOT to install signs warning drivers to look out for cyclists.
Corl said DOT Commissioner Brian Donnelly was very cooperative in the effort, attending anopen house to help lay out bike trails.
“He’s been very, very supportive and very involved,” Corl said.”
While he’s not a cyclist himself, Corl said there were many supporters of the project.
“I had several family members, friends and relatives who were avid bicyclists and were supportive of the idea. It was a good project to work on,” he said.
Corl said the initiative promotes recreation in the town of Cicero.
“It shows the town is committed to being as bicyclist-friendly as possible. You have to accommodate and watch for bicyclists,” Corl said. “The land that we have available is perfect for bicyclists to come from all over. It complements the idea that Cicero is a place to come for these types of activities.”
While it’s important for drivers to look out for bicyclists, riders must be cautious as well. Beaulieu shared some of his own safety tips.
“We must remember that safety is a key element to sharing the road. Drivers need to stay a safe distance from riders in case they need to avoid debris on a narrow shoulder,” he said. “We need to follow the same rules of the road and ride with traffic and stop when required. Always try to use hand signals to let drivers know your intent. And the most important thing is to wear a properly fitted helmet and high visibility clothing so you can be seen.”
For more tips on sharing the road with bicycles, visit safeny.ny.gov/media/beSmart-bike.htm.
