It has been a tough month or so for bicyclists around Springfield and Southwest Missouri. 
Here is a bizarre story that happened last night in Springfield, Missouri. I certainly hope that this injured man has a speedy recovery. I fear that the driver will have no insurance.
This follows another incident from November in which a bicyclist was shot by people believed to be sighting in their deer rifle.
I spend a lot of time of a bicycle. It is my primary hobby and I routinely see people completely disregard bicyclist on the road. It may be pulling out in front of us, passing too close, passing while coming up to an intersection, passing then immediately stopping to turn.
It is important for bicyclist to carry plenty of uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage on their automobile policy. Make sure you discuss it with your insurance agent and put your requests for coverage in the event of a bicycle accident in writing to your agent.
Unfortunately for many riding a bicycle is not a hobby like it is for me, but their primary source of transportation and they have no applicable insurance coverage.
The Missouri Bicycle Federation offers the following for bicyclists:
On public streets and highways, you have the same rights and responsibilities as a motor vehicle operator.
Always ride with traffic, never against it. When operating at less than the posted speed or traffic flow, generally ride as near to the right side of the roadway as safe. The right edge of the road often has hazards like ditches, gutters, sand, gravel shoulders, and so on. Leave space between yourself and these hazards as needed for safety.
You may move more toward the middle or left of the lane or roadway, as appropriate:
when making a left turn,
when avoiding hazards,
when the lane is too narrow to share with another vehicle, and
when there is a right-turn-only lane and you are going straight.
Always check traffic and signal before changing lanes or changing your position within a lane. On a one-way street, bicyclists may also choose to ride as far left as is safe.
The law does not allow you to ride a moped on any part of the federal interstate highway system.
Safety Tips for Moped and Bicycle Riders:
The law does not require you to wear a helmet. However, wearing a safety-certified helmet can prevent serious head injuries or death.
Be sure your bike is in safe condition and has all the equipment required by law.
Make sure motorists see you. Wear bright colored clothes and stay out of a vehicle’s blind spots.
Use proper lights and reflectors when riding after dark.
Make sure you signal before you slow down, change lanes or turn. Before merging, changing lanes or turning, scan behind and in front to ensure that it is safe to make this maneuver. Do so in plenty of time and in cooperation with other drivers who will be affected by your move. If it is not safe, continue on a straight course and scan repeatedly and only move once it is safe. In conditions of heavy traffic, less proficient bicyclists may find it easier to wait near the curb for a safe gap to appear.
Be careful when passing to the left of a parked or moving vehicle. You should leave 3 to 4 feet of clearance to avoid suddenly opened car doors or allow for a vehicle to swerve.
Be extra careful at intersections. Do not assume your right-of-way when there is a vehicle approaching. Be aware that motor vehicle drivers may not see you approaching the intersection, or may believe that you are moving at a slower speed than you are.
Keep a steady line and be predictable as a courtesy to other traffic and to increase your personal safety.
For teen and adult bicyclists, studies show that riding on the street with traffic, not against it (following the same traffic rules that other vehicles do), is far safer than riding on the sidewalk. However, Missouri law prohibits cyclists from riding on the sidewalk in a business district.
