zMotion: Change That Benefits The Entire Community

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The community of Sunrise, Florida was deeply saddened by two tragic and preventable deaths in recent years. On two separate occasions riding a popular Sunrise route, cyclists Anthony Vesce and Anthony McKinney were killed in what is sadly becoming a common scenario across the United States.

As Americans gravitate towards a healthier lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet and regular exercise, the number of related outdoor exercise accidents increases. Cycling, which has seen its popularity skyrocket in recent years, appears to be the most treacherous. In an effort to halt these senseless tragedies, one non-profit organization is partnering with communities to increase awareness. For zMotion, philanthropic bicycle club of Zimmerman Advertising, safety is the number one priority.  Under the leadership of Sunrise Mayor Michael Ryan, zMotion recently worked with the City of Sunrise, FDOT and Broward Transit to install road signs aiming to prevent accidents and create awareness. Eight road signs will ultimately be planted along two of the most popular cycling routes in Sunrise.  These signs stand in the same area where two lives were recently taken. The messaging directs drivers to allow 3 feet of space between cars and cyclists, which is the amount of space experts believe will prevent many accidents.

"Like many municipalities, we are blessed to be a place where cyclists choose to ride. Sadly, according to NHTSA, in 2011 Florida led the nation in a terrible statistic – cyclist fatalities. Faced with these horrifying facts, municipalities and the County have been working together to try to find solutions.  Recently, with the cooperation of the Broward County Complete Streets Program, our Police and Community Development departments, and zMotion we have been able to install 8 new large safety signs on both NW 136th Avenue and Flamingo Road.  We think this effort can be and should be a model for the rest of the County," states Mayor Ryan.

Upon the foundation's inception in 2008, zMotion developed the Ride Right Drive Right (RRDR) campaign to educate both cyclists and motorists on their respective rules of the road.  The RRDR message has gone viral through Public Service Announcements, highlighting on social media, promoting at events, etc.  Public awareness for bicycle safety needs grows with the campaign.  In 2010, zMotion partnered with FDOT and the South Florida Bicycle Coalition to install 17 "Share the Road" signs along A1A from Boca Raton to Manalapan.  This year with the signage initiative in Sunrise, they went a step further to educate the public on the new "3 Feet" law.  The foundation's goal is to continue working with communities to increase public awareness and make the roads a safer place for all.  Those interested in getting more involved with the RRDR campaign should e-mail [email protected].

"The advocacy work that we have done lately has truly paid off as the new 3-Feet street signs are up in the City of Sunrise. This has been a combined effort amongst FDOT, City of Sunrise, especially Mayor Ryan, Broward Transit, and zMotion. This is one of many steps we are taking to secure the safety of cyclists on the road. We will continue to work effortlessly with local governments to implement programs that include long-term safety solutions. Please stay safe and Ride Right, Drive Right," concludes zMotion Foundation Executive Director, Chris Hoch.

SOURCE zMotion