.jpg)
Cyclists ride in designated bicycle lane in Philadelphia, Monday,
May 24, 2010. More bikes returning to the road will bring with
them the latest test of whether two-wheeled and four-wheeled
commuters can peacefully coexist. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Related Articles
In the midst of Bike to Work day, a day when everyone is encouraged to ditch automobiles for their commute in favor of bicycles, the Denver Post is reporting that law enforcement agents are increasingly ticketing bicyclists as part of a new program to enforce the "no bicycling on sidewalks" law by handing out $60 tickets.
The renewed effort by Denver Police is a result of an increase in complaints from motorists and pedestrians about cyclists. The cyclists, in turn, maintain they try to follow the laws but there is not always a safe place to ride.
As cycling has grown in popularity, so have the conflicts about how to share the road, or the sidewalk. Riding on the sidewalk is illegal in Denver (except if you're near where you are going to park the bike or if your speed is less than 6 mph), but the law is not always followed. As a result, pedestrians grumble about bicyclists whizzing past them, while the bicyclists claim the roads are not safe enough to avoid the sidewalks at all times.
The cyclists aren't held in much higher esteem by the motorists. Last year, a bicycle safety bill signed by Governor Ritter highlighted the conflict between drivers and cyclists as they try to share the road safely. The city of Denver is trying to increase the number of bike lanes and paths available, but there is still a lot of work to do in that regard in the city and across the state.
For now, Denver Public Works department spokeswoman Ann Williams told the Denver Post that cyclists should consult the free bike maps available and plan a route that makes use of bike lanes and paths.
Comments
We shouldn't have any problem with police officers trying to enforce the law when we expect the same protection under the law as any motorist. Bicyclists are operating vehicles. They are most definitely not pedestrians on wheels, so they should be on the roadway with other vehicles, not mixed in with pedestrians on sidewalks. Granted, many don't feel safe on the road, but feeling safe and being safe are entirely different. It doesn't require nerves of steel or a death wish. It truly does require some knowledge and training. Surprisingly enough, when someone learns the techniques of riding in traffic, all those misplaced and highly exaggerated fears are gone. It's not magic. It's not rocket science. And it definitely doesn't rely on painted lanes going everywhere. Bicycling education empowers cyclists.
Good point, Ed. If everyone follows the rules (motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists), there will be a lot fewer safety concerns.
We shouldn't have any problem with police officers trying to enforce the law when we expect the same protection under the law as any motorist. Bicyclists are operating vehicles. They are most definitely not pedestrians on wheels, so they should be on the roadway with other vehicles, not mixed in with pedestrians on sidewalks. Granted, many don't feel safe on the road, but feeling safe and being safe are entirely different. It doesn't require nerves of steel or a death wish. It truly does require some knowledge and training. Surprisingly enough, when someone learns the techniques of riding in traffic, all those misplaced and highly exaggerated fears are gone. It's not magic. It's not rocket science. And it definitely doesn't rely on painted lanes going everywhere. Bicycling education empowers cyclists.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!