St. Martinville – The cycling community is working with law enforcement agencies to make the roadways within St. Martin Parish safer for cyclists.

In the last three months four bicyclists have been killed by cars in the Acadiana area. BikeLafayette, T.R.A.I.L., and Cajun Cyclists recently held a Gumbo Ride and get-together to increase safety awareness.

Major Ginny Higgins with the St. Martin Sheriff’s Office attended the event and shared the information about laws to protect cyclists with patrol deputies.

At least twice a month a group of cyclists get-together on Saturday mornings and ride throughout the parish.

There are two specific laws that protect cyclists on the roadways. They include:

RS32:76.1 – Limitations on Passing Bicycles The operator of a motor vehicle, when overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on the roadway, shall exercise due care while the motor vehicle is passing the bicycle and shall leave a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet and shall maintain such clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle traveling in the same direction in a no-passing zone only when it is safe to do so.

RS32:201 – Harassment of bicyclists prohibited; penalties

A. It shall be unlawful to harass, taunt, or maliciously throw objects at or in the direction of any person riding a bicycle.

B. Any person who violates this Section shall be fined not less than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.

Cycling is fast becoming a sport not just for fitness but for weekend recreation and fun. Some use bicycles to get to work and to get around town.

Cyclists include businessmen, attorneys, engineers and those who compete in triathlon events.

Next time you come across a group of cyclists, safely share the road.