City of Beloit Police Department Participating in Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Grant

The Beloit Police Department is participating in a state-funded bicycle and pedestrian safety grant from June 2023 to August 2023.

 

During 2022, 1,378 pedestrians and 679 bicyclists in Wisconsin were involved in motor vehicle crashes, resulting in 74 and 14 deaths, respectively. Throughout the past five years in Wisconsin, nearly 10,737 pedestrians and bicyclists were struck, resulting in 9,799 injuries and 336 deaths.

 

As part of our public safety efforts, the Beloit Police Department will be participating in a bicycle and pedestrian safety grant through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. This effort is not about stopping, citing or arresting motorists. The grant is about educating, saving lives and preventing tragedies. As part of this initiative, officers will be periodically utilized on bicycles, in patrol vehicles and at crosswalks to educate residents and discourage dangerous driving behavior.

 

The following are safety tips to keep in mind while on the roadways:

• Bicycles, according to WI Statute, are considered vehicles. They have the same rights on the roadways as motor vehicles.
• Bicycles should follow traffic signals and yield to pedestrians at intersections or crosswalks not controlled by traffic signals.
• Cyclists need room to get around potholes, sewer grates, and other obstructions.
• A minimum of three feet should be given to bicyclists while passing them in a motor vehicle.
• Vehicles should change lanes to pass a bicycle if practical or if in any narrow lane.
• Operators of vehicles should yield to pedestrians at intersections or crosswalks not controlled by traffic signals.

 

Through collaboration with the community, the Beloit Police Department hopes you too will join us in our goal to protect residents, families, and loved ones and be guardians together.