SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Dept. of Transportation teamed up with the Department of Public Safety and the Utah Highway Patrol to encourage responsible cycling and driving.
On average, six Utahns lose their lives every year in accidents involving bicycles and cars, and the 2013 Northern Road Respect Tour, which began Thursday and ended Saturday, exists to promote safety between motorists and cyclists.
"We go out and we visit communities and try to help educate drivers and cyclists about the rules of the road to make it safe and more enjoyable for everybody," said Carlos Braceras, executive director for UDOT.
The cause hits close to home for some members of the Utah Highway Patrol.
"Trooper Steve Crow, one of our troopers, his father was killed in Provo. Hit by a person who didn't clear their windshield," said Col. Daniel Fuhr, superintendent for UHP.
Drivers are encouraged to give cyclists 3 feet of space. Cyclists should ride as far to the right of the roadway as possible, and ride no more than two abreast, or single file if they're impeding traffic.
The three-day tour included a 51-mile ride through Salt Lake City on Friday and a 40-mile ride through Ogden on Saturday. There were also activities like a bike festival, a kids ride and other community events.
For more information, visit roadrespect.utah.gov.
