NASHVILLE, Tenn.- There's a bicycle battle-cry in Nashville: There needs to be more respect and understanding between motorists and cyclists.
The concern comes after several crashes, including one that killed a Nashville cyclist in the Old Hickory area back in May and another in Murfreesboro where a cyclist was hit by a driver who then sped away.
These crashes have Nashville leaders stepping up the awareness campaign they began this spring. On Friday, in East Nashville's Shelby Park Campbell Craig and Powell Paguibitan are on their bikes. They say pedaling in the park is a lot safer than on the streets
"It's definitely a hazard sometimes. I ride to school and I feel like second class citizen. I don't feel they cars give me enough respect of enough space," said Paguibitan.
It's why the city is stepping up awareness of their 'Moving in Harmony' campaign which stresses more bike lanes or shared lanes like this one near downtown.
"You have to give that 3 feet variance to a cyclist and when it's appropriate, you can move around. We want motorists to know that's state law," said David Campbell with the Metro Health Department.
Scott Deshon runs EastSide Cycles and keeps up a keen watch on the number of accidents involving cyclists. He's pushing for even more awareness about the rules of the road.
"Everybody needs a little bit more education on what's going on. Nashville is developing as a cycling city," said Deshon.
It's important that everyone follows the rules on the road. Campbell admits that means cyclists as well.
"You know I think that's really important on both sides. If cyclists aren't respecting the rules of the road the drivers aren't respecting the cyclists," said Craig.
You can find more rules of the road on the Metro Government website.
