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

[Geoff Badenoch]

A great deal of effort was made by John Williams and others in the '70's
and 80's to gain the status of "vehicle" for bikes in State law; that
allowed cyclists all the rights to the road that motorists have.  And
the responsibilities.
 
As Shaun observes, on those occasions where a cyclist has no choice but
to use the sidewalks, simply yielding out of courtesy makes it safe for
everyone.  Final tip, when cyclists overtake pedestrians while riding
(as on trails or sidewalks), announcing oneself is good manners.  Not a
shout or anything that will startle someone. Usually a simple, audible
"On your left" will suffice and help keep pedestrians from making
unpredictable moves.
 
Bike more.
 
Geoff Badenoch
 
-----Original Message-----
From: missoulagov-bounces at cmslists.com
[mailto:missoulagov-bounces at cmslists.com] On Behalf Of Shaun
Sent: Saturday, October 03, 2009 10:30 PM
To: missoulagov at cmslists.com
Subject: Re: [MissoulaGov] Committee Update 9-30-09 Bikes on Sidewalks
 
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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