New York City's "Don’t Be A Jerk" bike safety ad campaign is meant to "humorously highlight the essential do's and don’ts of safe, responsible biking." Their videos (watch them all here) feature celebrities like John Leguizamo breaking common cycling laws, with pedestrians telling them exactly what they think of them. This ad campaign is part of NYC's Bike Smart initiative, which reminds cyclists to follow these basic rules of safety:
1. Yield to pedestrians.
2. Stop at red lights and stop signs.
3. Ride in the direction of traffic.
4. Stay off the sidewalk.
5. Use a white front light and red tail light at night.
Now, the eco-site Grist.org isn't a big fan of these ads because they think they'll encourage more bike vs. pedestrian animosity, and ignore the countless drivers and pedestrians alike who also break common traffic laws. (You have to admit, there are plenty of drivers out there who could use a refresher course in those same five rules above.)
What do you think? Do you think Minneapolis needs a similar ad campaign to help keep safe our growing cycling community? Or maybe, as Grist suggests, a safety campaign that doesn't single out cyclists but applies to everyone - walkers, bikers, and drivers alike?
