Cyclists use yard signs to promote safety

Keith Wishum and Sue Hite, Sumter Co. Cycling (Source:WALB)

The group says drivers can sometimes get too close (Source:WALB)

AMERICUS, GA (WALB) - Yellow signs are popping up throughout Sumter County, to raise awareness for safe cycling.

Members of Sumter Co. Cycling want to remind drivers about certain safety laws with this new sign campaign.

The yellow sign says "Allow 3 feet to pass," which is Georgia law.

Drivers who want to pass a cyclist must leave a safe distance of three feet or more between the car and the bike.

Keith Wishum and Sue Hite are both cyclists in the group. They told WALB News 10 that drivers are usually pretty good about keeping a safe distance, but it just takes one close encounter to cause a tragedy.

"But I've had several [cars] that are just inches from my shoulder. And I know people who have been hit personally, so those two things go together. You know, you're just a couple inches away from being in a hospital," Wishum said.

The group says they have around 40 signs scattered throughout the county.

They plan to collect them in a few weeks and display them again next year.

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