Houston Launching 'Goal Zero' Bike Safety Program

A press release from the Office of Mayor Annise D. Parker announced the “Goal Zero” program for bicycle safety in Houston: “Mayor Annise Parker today announced the City and BikeHouston are joining forces to launch a major bike safety campaign to enforce and educate motorists and cyclists about the existing Safe Passing Ordinance, as well as create a Bicycle Master Plan for the City.”

The press release includes the following soundbite from Mayor Parker, who explains the motivations and initial policy directives behind Goal Zero: “Whether on a bike or behind the wheel, we have to abide by the rules of the road and learn how to share the road safely. Unfortunately, a spate of recent bicycle fatalities on Houston streets indicates there is much work to be done in this area. As a first step, I am dedicating $50,000 toward the cost of a Bicycle Master Plan that will guide our future decisions regarding placement of dedicated on-street bike lanes and infrastructure.”

At first, at least, the program will consist of greater enforcement of traffic laws for both drivers and bikers: “As part of the enforcement component of the campaign, the Houston Police Department has instructed officers to ticket drivers who violate the City’s new Safe Passing Ordinance and cyclists that disregard their responsibilities to obey traffic laws.”