During the month of May, select Illinois radio stations will be broadcasting a message to motorists: "Please don't squeeze".
The message is part of a campaign by the League of Illinois Bicyclists to inform motorists of a new state law that requires cars and trucks to pass bicyclists with at least three feet of space. The old law required vehicles to pass bicycles and others safely, but did not specify a minimum safe distance. Illinois joins 9 other states with similar laws on the books.
The radio spot also urges bicyclists to do their part by obeying traffic laws.
Using a $33,373 grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation's Division of Safety, the league produced a 30-second spot and purchased time air on 10 stations from May 5-May 30.
The stations are: WUSN-FM, Chicago; WXXQ-FM, Rockford; WBWN-FM, Bloomington; WFYR-FM, Peoria; WLLR-FM, Quad Cities; WDDD-FM, Carbondale; WFMB-FM, Springfield; WIL-FM, St. Louis; WIXY-FM, Champaign and WGEM-AM, Quincy.
This is the second year that LIB, working with IDOT, has conducted a radio public service announcement campaign to promote safe bicycling. Last year's message was for drivers and bicyclists to share the road.
To hear an MP3 recording of the radio spot, click the play button, , on the media player below:
The league would like feedback on the "Please Don't Squeeze" campaign from you and particularly from your family and friends who do not bicycle. Please send your comments to dean@bikelib.org.
, on the media player below: