The "ghost bike" of a young cyclist recently killed in Washington, D.C.
	Related Information
	Local Reaction: Local Bike Association to Call Attention to Death of Cyclist with "Ghost Bike" Ceremony, Calls for Full Investigation Who: The Washington Area Bicyclist Association What: Press conference on the death of a cyclist yesterday Where/When: Intersection of Connecticut Ave and Q Streets, NW at 6:30pm July 9th Why: To highlight the need for better bicycle safety and driver education efforts in the DC region Check Out: Washington Area Bicyclist Association's Bike Ped Safety Program Transportation Laws and Safety: Learn more about SAFETEA-LU (Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users), the most recent Federal transporation law. Trail Safety: Read more about promoting harmony on trails>>

America Needs Safer Cycling Options:

On Tues., July 8, a 22-year-old woman was killed while riding her bicycle—struck by a garbage truck in the Dupont neighborhood of Washington, D.C., just blocks from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's headquarters. Behind her is a long list that reads sadly similar:

An 8-year-old boy killed by a car while riding his bicycle on July 4 in North Las Vegas; a 31-year-old Fredericksburg, Va., woman hit from behind by a car and killed on June 22; a 22-year-old Chicago man killed on June 9 when a car door was opened in his path while he was riding.

These are just a few of the more than 700 people killed in an average year in the United States while cycling, according to the USDOT, Research and Innovative Technology Administration.

As the Washington Area Bicyclist Association prepares to hold a "ghost bike" memorial for Tuesday's victim, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's resolve is strengthened to increase funding and awareness for safer places to bicycle—on-road, off-road, making connections to where you need to be, accessible for all.

Americans are turning to their bicycles for transportation, and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is fighting to make that a safer choice.