Bicycle Safety – Put up the Signs

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Bicycle Safety –  Risk Mitigation. Signs and Installation at no cost to the county. Will make it safer for residents and visitors.     

Mar 9, 2024. This post and Comments at Brown County Matters.

    • Disclosure and Transparency – My position.  I am a candidate for Commissioner (R), District 3, May 7 Primary, Early Voting April 9.
      • When my older son started riding, I gained an appreciation for bike riders in the county. He started with the mountain bike trails in the park and then added road rides—paved and gravel—to his inventory.
      • He usually rides with groups throughout the state including Brown County. He has also participated in Rides in other states including Kentucky, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Texas.
      • In the Ride Across Iowa for example, towns compete to be added to the route and roll out the red carpet – It’s a big deal and a community-building event.
      • The groups obey the laws and are vigilant in anticipating dangers from speeding, angry drivers, and the occasional deer and dog. The number of riders will likely only increase.
      • The technology on the bikes is incredible. And, a Brown County Biking group has volunteered to buy and install signs (Risk Mitigation) to raise awareness to drivers that bicyclists may be up ahead.
      • Bicyclists are attracted to the county for the same reasons that attracted the artists, hikers, and residents —the beauty of our county.

At the March 6, 2024, Commissioner Meeting,  Alyn Brown from Brown County Mountain Biking asked Commissioners for permission to place signs along county roads such as Greasy Creek.  The intent is to make drivers aware that there may be bikers on the road ahead. State Law allows two bikers to ride side by side.  Mike Magnor of the highway department objected to the signs citing concerns with safety, site lines, and speeding vehicles. Commissioners postponed a decision until their next meeting so they could gather more information and learn a little more.  Hard to imagine them not approving the signs. Bicycling – mountain, road, gravel, is very popular and Brown County is a desired destination. Bicycling on roads is also supported by state law.

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