About ten months ago, I had an opportunity to read over the DMV manual and what it had to say about bicycles. At the time I was shocked to learn how little information they included and of the information they did include, a rather large percentage of it was focused on how cyclists should act. As a result of this discovery, I posted some comments on our blog and a lively discussion ensued on the advocacy list.
Fortunately, Sue Barker volunteered to approach the DMV about this issue and arranged for a meeting between representatives from the Narragansett Bay Wheelmen (NBW), Providence Bicycle Coaltion (PBC), US Open Cycling Foundation, the Greenways Alliance of Rhode Island (GARI), and the Sierra Club. At this meeting, we presented some recommendations. The DMV was impressed and asked us to develop them into something which could be included in the next printing of their DMV manual.
What resulted is a brochure. There are currently copies of this brochure at the DMV branch offices and select AAA offices. Copies will also be included as suplimental material for all driver’s education classes offered starting this summer and the next and future printing of the official DMV manual. If you are aware of another location where these brochures would have an impact, please contact us and we can get you some brochures.
Many thanks go to Sue Barker for spearheading this 10 month project!