The Oklahoma Bicycling Coalition Board of Directors and membership once again share sadness and grief with families who have lost loved ones in the act of enjoying a sport we all share simply because someone was careless. The deaths of two bicyclists in eastern Oklahoma County this past weekend reminds us of the horrors of Sand Springs, Enid, and Shawnee.

At times like this bicyclists across the state pause and reflect upon their vulnerability. They wonder if they might be next. They fear the anonymous motorist. They seek reason. They look for fault. They try to make sense of it all. Some become angry. Some quit bicycling altogether, succumbing to their own fears.

There are many ways to fight for bicyclists rights. Memorial rides and ghost bikes address the immediate need to grieve. In the long term, however, we need dialog and education. The OBC has set as it's goal the long view. We fully support and join the remembrance of our fallen fellow bicyclists. We also want to help channel this moment into action that will result in a safer bicycling environment for all of us. 

To achieve this goal we commit to engage the law enforcement community and demand equitable enforcement of all traffic laws.

We demand that the District Attorneys of Oklahoma fully prosecute violators of state and local laws designed to protect the rights and lives of bicyclists.
 
We commit to engage the legislature and state government to review existing laws, and enact new laws to protect the lives of all road users, and ban activities and devices which distract drivers from applying their full attention to the job of driving safely.
 
We ask all bicyclists to grieve and remember.

We ask all bicyclists to stay on your bikes and claim your place on all public roads.

We will continue to promote and lead safe bicycling education in partnership with bicyclists, clubs, schools, and other groups.
 
And we ask for your support. Look for the Donate button on this web page. Any contribution you make will go to achieving the goal we have set for ourselves: Promoting bicycle access, safety, and education throughout Oklahoma.

Signed,

The Board of Directors, Oklahoma Bicycling Coalition