ODOT reminds drivers of cycling race impacts
ODOT is advising motorists to be watchful for cyclists across Central Oregon as the 33rd Annual Cascade Cycling Classic takes to regional highways and local roads.
While racing gets under way in the Bend area on Tuesday, July 17, the greatest impact on ODOT’s highways will likely be on Wednesday, July 18 as hundreds of cyclists take to the highways up and over Old McKenzie Pass.
On Wednesday, men and women will start on US20, turning east from Big Springs and Maxwell Butte Sno-Parks at about 10am.
The racers will turn south onto OR126 towards McKenzie Bridge and then turn east and uphill at OR242, the Old McKenzie Pass Highway. The finish line is at Three Creeks Sno-Park south of Sisters.
ODOT and local law enforcement will provide rolling lane control along the length of the 74-mile long race.
Cycling competition will continue in the Bend area through the end of the week.
Bicyclists have the same road rights as motor vehicles; likewise, they must obey the same rules of the road as motorists.
ODOT encourages motorists to:
• Practice defensive driving
• Remember to use your signals to alert traffic around you
• Be aware of bicyclists, especially when making turns
• Use the side mirror and check over the shoulder to look for bicyclists in the vehicle’s blind spot
• Be patient in travel lanes and keep a safe distance when passing. You must give the cyclist enough room so that you would avoid hitting the cyclist if the cyclist scrashes.
• Always be mindful of local speed limits
ODOT encourages bicyclists to:
• Practice defensive driving
• Use hand signals when turning
• Wear a helmet and bright colors
• Ride no more than two abreast and keep as far right as you can safely ride
• Check your gear, especially brakes and tires, before riding
• Watch for and avoid road hazards
• Yield to traffic when appropriate
• Obey all traffic laws
ODOT encourages motorists and cyclists to treat each other with respect; reduce conflicts; and put safety above all other priorities.
