[MissoulaGov] Committee Update 9-30-09 Bikes on Sidewalks

[Shaun]

In reference to Jeremy Hood and Derek Goldman's messages: I have seen a pedestrian hit by a bicyclist and I know someone who was hit, knocked down, and fractured her arm so badly she's still in rehab six months later.  True, bikes are at the same type of disadvantage when it comes to car traffic.  That's why so much energy and money's been applied to bike lanes.  I used to walk my bike across the Orange Street bridge sidewalk when there was an 18 inch curb on it since there was literally nowhere to go if a car got too close to you.  A cyclist was killed by a car on that bridge.  Now there is space on Orange and there's no reason to be on the sidewalk, walking or riding. 

On the UM campus, a good compromise was worked out to yield the right of way to pedestrians.  So when not travelling in the bike lanes, why not do the same thing--even join the pedestrian traffic, walk the bike across streets so cars stop, and dismount when overtaking or meeting someone walking?  It's not that hard and a lot less scary for everyone (including the cyclist) whether people are nearly missed or actually hit.  Bicyclists who want to ride on the sidewalks are not "punished" by using the streets, nor are they "undesireables" or simply annoying to shoppers: they are selfish.  Coasting into a parking place is one thing, but riding through pedestrians is rude. 
Shaun Gant
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