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

[Ethel MacDonald]

Thanks, Shaun & Geoff, for your comments.  As a bicyclist I agree completely
-- basically it boils down to being considerate and safe:  bike in the
street when possible, and obey vehicle rules; when it's safer and more
practical to be on the sidewalk,  either dismount if it's crowded, or go
very slowly and be ready to dismount if the sidewalk is fairly empty.  Walk
the bike across crosswalk when it's more practical and safer,
for example, than trying to make a left turn in heavy traffic from the bike
lane.  And yes, we all make mistakes and goofs, but on a bike it's so much
easier to communicate and say "sorry!"  Ethel

On Sat, Oct 3, 2009 at 11:30 PM, Geoff Badenoch <geoffb at ism.net> wrote:

>  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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-- 
"Apathy is a vice."  Oscar Wilde
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