Trans Am cyclists traveling through Kansas

The first participants in the Trans American Bike Race have arrived in Kansas, and more cyclists are expected to pass through the state in the next several weeks. Other cycling events are scheduled across the state this summer, and motorists are encouraged to use extra caution.

Motorists should expect to see an increase in cyclists during these warmer summer months and are reminded that Kansas law requires that motorists treat cyclists like any other motorized vehicle on the road. This includes moving over and passing like you would any other vehicle only when safe to do so and requires that motorists must have three feet of space between the cyclist and vehicle when passing.

Cyclists in the Trans Am event will enter Kansas from Colorado on K-96 and travel through Leoti, Scott City, Rush Center, Larned, Hutchinson, Newton, Eureka, Chanute, Girard and then Pittsburg. Riders in this event usually travel individually rather than in groups.

The Trans American Bike Race is an annual, self-supported, ultra-distance cycling race that stretches 4,200 miles across the U.S. from Astoria, Ore., to Yorktown, Va.  This is not a stage race – meaning once the race starts, the clock doesn’t stop until the racers reach the finish line. Now in its seventh year, each racer must strategically decide when to rest, ride and refuel.

For more information on the event, go to transambikerace.com.