KDOT: Share the road with cyclists as annual bike tour gets underway June 6

The Kansas Department of Transportation reminds motorists to be aware and use extra caution as nearly 400 bicyclists are expected to participate in the 52^nd annual Biking Across Kansas (BAK) tour beginning on Saturday, June 6.

BAK started in 1975, and the route crosses Kansas from west to east on varied alignments. This year's route is across the southern part of the state with riders primarily using U.S. 160, K-23, U.S. 166 and U.S. 400.

The eight-day ride starts near Colorado at Johnson City in Stanton County and extends to the east 550 miles, ending June 13 near Pittsburg in Crawford County. Other overnight stops will take place in Montezuma, Ashland, Medicine Lodge, Conway Springs, Burden, Independence and Baxter Springs.

"Biking Across Kansas is a good time to remind motorists that, for the most part, people riding a bicycle have the same right to ride on the roadway as motorists," said Jenny Kramer, KDOT's Active Transportation Manager. "Motorists are also required by law to pass to the left of biker at no less than 3 feet until safely clear of the biker."

Bicyclists and motorists share the road year-round. For safety tips and more information, go to the Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office website.

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