Yolanda Cruz
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As the sun rose over the Singing River on the first Sunday in April, dozens of cyclists gathered at Pascagoula’s River Park for a community ride throughout Jackson County.
Right 2 Ride was first held in 2016, and the number of participants doubled in its second year to nearly 100.
“Today is meant to educate motorists that cyclists have the right to ride on the road,” said Kristi Ducote, Outdoor Recreation Specialist with the City of Pascagoula. “None of the roads are blocked off, so cyclists are interacting with regular traffic today.”
Ducote explained how cyclists do have the right to ride on roadways and some of the laws that apply.
“There is a state law that says that motorists should allow a minimum of three feet when passing a cyclist,” Ducote explained. “I say just take the guess work out of it and change lanes to pass a cyclist as you would a motor vehicle. Cyclists should also make sure to ride right with the flow of traffic and obey all the rules of the road such as stopping at stop signs and using turn signals.”
Right 2 Ride offered bike routes of four different distances to attract and accommodate cyclists of all riding abilities. The 83-mile ride began at 7 a.m. while the 40-mile, 20-mile and 8-mile rides began at 8 a.m.
All cyclists had to register for the event in order to receive a goody bag, a participation medal, an event t-shirt and refreshments before and after the ride.
“All proceeds from today’s ride will go toward making Pascagoula a bike friendly community,” Ducote said.
