Date: Wed, 06 Jun 2007 13:03:17 -0400
From: Sam Stone <samuelspencerstone@comcast.net>
Subject: Bicycle Board
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Frank -
In response to you email dated June 2, 2007, I will be in Nashville, Tennessee and unable to attend the monthly meeting of the Bike Board on June 7, 2007.  However, the Bike Board and I have very similar desires.  I will try to clarify mine as follows:
1.  Whatever the specific design, use flourescent lime green color like the pedestrian crossing signs recently installed on High Street and do not use the color of the existing bike signs approaching the Star City bridge toward Morgantown.  Stencil signage on the roadway is preferred but pole signage can supplement that and can be installed now. 
2.  The location should be at all major entrances to town and as otherwise appropriate.
3.  The trail signage is to reduce interference of the various modes and could use the same signage but perhaps add "keep right" or "walk on right, pass on left" or "slower traffic must keep right", or something similar.  I am forwarding a copy of the current WV Code provisions regarding bikes.  Both bikers and drivers need to be educated on bike rights and safety.  Roads needs to be repaired, potholes filled and drains leveled to accommodate bikes.
4.  It is obvious that the Bike Board has done a great amount of work in planning; however, many of the recommendations can and must be implemented now to prevent accidents and save lives.  Please advise me of the next Bike Board meeting and I will make every effort to attend.  I appreciate your considering my input.

I went to City Council with Ralph LaRue from BOPARC and Cliff Sutherland approximately a year ago and Council approved the signs for the trail.  They told me to work with Dan Boroff to get it done.  There are funds available and no reason the signs aren't up already.  I suggest that the Bike Board push NOW to get the signs up on the trail and then get them in the roads ASAP.  The rest of your plan is great but the road stenciling and lanes is a long way off.

§17C-11-2. Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles.

Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except as to special regulations in this article and except as to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.

§17C-11-5. Riding on roadways and bicycle paths.

(a) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
(b) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
(c) Whenever a usable path for bicycles has been provided adjacent to a roadway, bicycle riders shall use such path and shall not use the roadway.

(Also see West Virginia Code 17C-11 in its entirety and West Virginia Code 17C-11A in its entirety for additional bicycle laws.)

Thanks,
Sam Stone

Samuel Spencer Stone
Attorney At Law
221 Willey Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: (304) 296-2553 Ext. 1
Fax: (304) 292-4034 fax



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