HomeMy WebLinkAboutBicycling Public Comment from David Eder, 7-14-14From:david
To:Agenda
Subject:ARTICLE 10. BICYCLES and the safety of parents with children.
Date:Saturday, July 12, 2014 8:59:22 AM
I am concerned about the sidewalk restrictions for parents travelingwith their children on bikes.
It is illegal for parents to travel with their children on bicyclesunless the children are old enough to ride in the bike lanes. In somecases the bike lane is right next to the sidewalk and that works OKexcept for parked cars. But there are many instances where this is notthe case.
For example, the bike lane on Durston where it intersects 19th the bikelane is to the left of the turn lane. This puts the parent a lane away. The kids need to use the walk signal. When the light turns green, theparent is expected to go. Children are taught by officers to alwayswalk, not ride, across intersections. Where are the parents supposedwait for their children. Also, if the walk light doesn't turn, there isan aditinal problem. There is no good way to navigate this intersectionlegally. Further, kids don't necessarily watch good enough to crosswithout a parent there. A walk light is not enough for safe passage. Drivers turning left on a green light are looking forward to see ifanyone is coming. They are often not looking to see if anyone is tryingto cross. Drivers turning right do not slow down enough to see thatsomeone is crossing. Children need help crossing busy streets. Forcingparents into the bike lane endangers the safety of their children.
Another example is on Oak. The multi-use trail ends before the car washat 19th. Parents can't fully use the trail because it ends too early. There is no sidewalk on the other side of the street. At this point,the parent is expected to be on one side of the street and the kids onthe other. Even worse, the bike lane evaporates before the intersectionand resumes after the intersection. (A side issue is that trails end atbad places. Extending the trail to the sidewalks in these areas wouldbe helpful.)
What I am requesting is an amendment to Sec. 36.10.110.B to allowparents to use the sidewalk when they are riding with their children.
Sec. 36.10.110.B says:
B. No person over the age of 15 years shall ride any bicycle upon anysidewalk within the city.
Perhaps it could say something like:
B. No person over the age of 15 years shall ride any bicycle upon anysidewalk within the city, except when accompanying persons under 15years in their care.
Thanks, I know you try hard to make things work for biking.
David Eder.1176 N 17thBozeman.