Bicycle-Friendly Decals Help in an Emergency

COLUMBIA, Ky. -- The Lindsey Wilson College cycling program hopes a new decal will help the state's cyclists during emergencies.

The LWC cycling program recently unveiled a bicycle-friendly decal that residences and businesses can display. By displaying the blue-and-white decal, owners of residences and businesses are making it known that cyclists can ask for help if needed. A cyclist can approach the residence or business and request water, shelter or to make an emergency phone call.

"The idea came from some of the people who live along one of our bike routes," said LWC cycling coach Dave Grigsby. "They came to us and said, 'We really enjoy having you ride by, and we want to come up with a way to let the cyclists know that if they need assistance -- such as water or a phone -- they could stop in and ask us.' We were really touched by this idea, so we came up with the idea of creating a decal for them to display."

Proceeds from sales of the decal -- which cost $1 -- support the LWC cycling program. Individuals who participate in the program can affix the decals on a residence's mailbox or to a business' window or door.

This is the first program in Kentucky designed to helped cyclists identify places where they can receive help during an emergency, according to Grigsby.

In addition to helping cyclists during a time of need, a business that participates in the program might also help its bottom line, Grigsby said.

"We truly feel that any business that displays our sticker will be sending a message to the cyclists in their community that they are there for them in a time of need, and that the cyclists will repay that kindness with their shopping loyalty."

For more information about the bicycle-friendly decals, contact Grigsby at grigsbyd@lindsey.edu or (606) 524-8808, or go to: wearebikefriendly.com.