Sacramento Ponders: Where Should Sidewalk Cycling be Banned? [View all]

CA: Sacramento Ponders: Where Should Sidewalk Cycling be Banned?

TONY BIZJAK ON SEP 9, 2015
SOURCE: MCCLATCHY


Sept. 09--Sacramento officials are formulating a new rule that would allow bicyclists to ride on city sidewalks except in busy pedestrian areas where signs would be posted banning bikes. Repeat violators of the ordinance could pay a $250 fine.

A proposal discussed Tuesday by the City Council's legal committee would prohibit cyclists from riding on sidewalks in the downtown core and along some midtown corridors.

The plan, still a work in progress, represents an attempt to overhaul the city's archaic and confusing bike rules. The existing ordinance bans bikes from sidewalks, but offers the confusing exception for cyclists in "residence areas." The ordinance carries a fine of only $5.

Hilary Abramson, a central city resident who was seriously injured when hit from behind by a cyclist on a 15th Street sidewalk last year, said she appreciates the city's efforts to make its rules clear, but pointed out that cyclists and pedestrians don't mix. She said she wants to see a day when bicycles are banned from any sidewalk in the central city. ................(more)

http://www.masstransitmag.com/news/12112351/sacramento-ponders-where-should-sidewalk-cycling-be-banned