Good morning, In a recent committee meeting there was a question about mandatory sidepath laws. One of the Morgantown statutes can be construed as such. This email indicates that there have been states where such laws have been repealed.
Another message in the thread indicated that these laws increase liability exposure to the city. Wisconsin repealed its law in the 1970's when a seasoned bike commuter was killed while riding on the sidewalk, after being hit by a car coming out of a blind alley. He had been ticketed the week before for NOT riding on the sidewalk.
It also appears that sidewalks must be up to AASHTO/ADA standards for the sidepath law to be enforced. I can't think of a single sidewalk that's more than a block long that would.
In another list someone mentioned that Wisconsin statutes require that a bike must have at least one wheel larger than 14" to be allowed on the road. Apparently this is directed at keeping the smallest kids' bikes off the street. I presume that AASHTO/ADA standards would still have to be met, but when I lived near Madison in the mid-70's they already did. Things are even better now.
In the same message, the author related having been chased down by a cop and told to ride his velomobile on the sidewalk because drivers on the 35mph thoroughfare had been calling to complain that he was obstructing 50mph traffic. He was told to obey the law and get out of their way so they could violate the speed limit. He subsequently went to this officer's superiors and got it straightened out. (He had been riding this same vehicle in the same city for 6000 miles, the officer was new and unfamiliar with the laws).
I only mention this incident to make it clear that there isn't rational or consistent enforcement of cyclists right to share the road. If you ever do find yourself in conflict (either on the road or off) the best response is to work it out through the system, with a minimum of confrontation or drama. Our rights are protected in writing, but to keep them we need to exercise and advocate for them.
<soapbox off> Nick Hein
---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "Sue Knaup" sue@thunderheadalliance.org Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2007 11:58:33 -0700
Vermont, Oklahoma and Wyoming are three of the most recent successes. Check with our orgs in each of those states via our Links page.
Sue
Sue Knaup Executive Director Thunderhead Alliance 928-541-9841 http://www.thunderheadalliance.org Main Office: P.O. Box 3309, Prescott, AZ 86302 Washington, DC Office: 1700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 400, 20006 202-349-1479
-----Original Message----- From: thunderhead-bounces@thunderheadalliance.org [mailto:thunderhead-bounces@thunderheadalliance.org] On Behalf Of Mark Martin Sent: Friday, February 16, 2007 10:17 AM To: thunderhead@thunderheadalliance.org Subject: [Thunderhead] Repealing mandatory side path law
Greetings All,
Here in Louisiana we have a "mandatory side path" law that seems to be a relic of the past. Many of us find it onerous and would like to attempt to get it repealed. Could someone point us to successful efforts to get such a law repealed? We are looking in particular for arguments supporting repeal.
Thanks in advance!
Mark E. Martin Baton Rouge Advocates for Safe Streets (B.R.A.S.S.)
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