Perfect Gift for the Cyclist You Love?

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Daughter wears jersey bought by dad to keep her safe.

“Cyclists reporting back to me believe more motorists are giving them more space more often.”

Tallahassee, FL (PRWEB) December 8, 2010

What’s the perfect Christmas gift for your loved one who happens to be a cyclist? According to many of the dads, moms, wives, husbands, daughters, sons, girlfriends and boyfriends doing the buying this season, it’s a bright yellow cycling jersey with a message on the back that reminds motorists to give their loved ones at least 3 feet clearance when passing from the rear. It’s called the “3 Feet Please” jersey and it is part of a safe cycling campaign that was created by cyclist Joe Mizereck of Tallahassee, Florida. After a few close calls with vehicles, Mizereck decided he had to do something to help motorists understand the minimum distance to safely pass a cyclist—at least 3 feet, please.

Mizereck said, “I knew of the law here in Florida that requires motorists to give cyclists at least 3 feet clearance when overtaking, so I decided what better place to put a bold, clear, yet polite reminder than right smack on the back of my jersey.” Florida is one of 16 states that have adopted “3 foot clearance” laws, and a handful of cities have adopted similar language in ordinances. Interesting thing, Mizereck adds, “People are buying this jersey in all states and even other countries and a good number of those who are doing the buying are cyclists’ loved ones who want to keep their cyclists safe.”

Motorists driving large vehicles, like trucks and recreational vehicles, going at higher speeds should give even more space as they pass a cyclist. “Most motorists are courteous, Mizereck says, “But there are a large number of motorists who just don’t get it. They don’t get the fear that sweeps over us as they pass within inches of our bodies. And they don’t get how hitting us would change lives---theirs, ours and our families.” The key thing for motorists to remember if they come upon a cyclist from the rear and cannot give at least 3 feet clearance to pass the cyclist, is to wait until they can.

Is the jersey working? According to Mizereck, “Cyclists reporting back to me believe more motorists are giving them more space more often.” So, yes it is working. Motorists are responding and cyclists’ lives are being saved. And, “That,” says Mizereck, “is what it is all about—saving lives.”

Learn more about the “3 Feet Please” Campaign and order a “3 Feet Please” jersey for your loved one at http://www.3feetplease.com

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