Jaye wrote:
The Keeper wrote:
Jaye wrote:
The Keeper wrote:
This thread discusses the Content article: Beware bike law

Re: "Orem scarier than Iraq for bicyclist." Perhaps Maj. Black should be aware that it is illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk. Sidewalks are reserved for pedestrians. Bicycles are vehicles.

I'd like to see the specific law you're referring to!

http://exe.orem.org/citycode/Chap_06.pdf

Vehicular laws and regulations apply to bicycles.

Quoting the original statement above, "Perhaps Maj. Black should be aware that it is illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk", please point out the relevant part about not riding on the sidewalk in that URL.

I don't particularly care one way or another about what the URL says.

But you stated that you'd like to see the specific law regarding riding bicycles on the sidewalk. So I provided you with the laws.

Are cars allowed to be driven down the sidewalk?

Always remembering that I don't think that the law applies to tots riding their little tricycles on their neighborhood sidewalks. As a matter of fact...I'd prefer that children remain on the sidewalk with their bikes...and that they are taught by their parents from the start that they, and their bicycles do not have precedence over pedestrians.


Always remember, you can't play the game to win if you don't know the rules.

Orem City Code
CHAPTER 6. BICYCLES
Article 6-2. Traffic Laws

6-2-1. Traffic laws applicable.
The laws pertaining to bicycles which are set forth in the Utah Code and which are approved and adopted as part of the Traffic Code of the City of Orem, are hereby approved, adopted, and incorporated herein and shall be applicable to all persons riding bicycles within the City. By this reference, these provisions are made a part of the Orem City Code as fully as if set out at length herein, and they shall be controlling within the limits of the City. However, this section is not intended and does not purport to grant unto the City any powers or jurisdiction not specifically or impliedly granted by law.
(Ord. No. 661, Revised, 04/10/90)


Utah Code 41-6a-1702. Sidewalk -- Driving Prohibited -- Exception.

(1) Except for a bicycle or device propelled by human power, a person may not operate a vehicle on a sidewalk or sidewalk area.
(2) The provisions of Subsection (1) do not apply on a driveway.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 2, 2005 General Session


Provo City Code
TITLE 9. PUBLIC PEACE AND SAFETY
Chapter 9.32. Miscellaneous Traffic Provisions.

9.32.020. Riding a Bicycle, Skateboard or Roller Skates on the Sidewalk.

(1) No person shall ride a bicycle, skateboard or roller skates upon a sidewalk contiguous to University Avenue between 400 North Street and 100 South Street, and on a sidewalk contiguous to Center Street between 100 East Street and 500 West Street.
(2) The City Traffic Engineer is authorized to erect signs on any sidewalk or roadway prohibiting the riding of bicycles thereon by any person and when such signs are in place no person shall disobey the same.
(3) Whenever any person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, such person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.
(Am 1987-58)


And for Bruce of Pleasant Grove . . .

Pleasant Grove City Code
TITLE 6 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
CHAPTER 6 BICYCLES

6-6-5: RIDING ON SIDEWALKS; PASSING:

A. No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within a business district.

B. The chief of police is authorized to erect signs on any sidewalk or roadway prohibiting the riding of bicycles thereon by any person and, when such signs are in place, no person shall disobey the same.

C. Whenever any person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, such person shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian and shall give audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian. (1990 Code § 10.24.150)

I have watched the exchange of information related to this incident with interest and some amusement.

It has been educational and informative to anyone who has followed the thread.

It appears that it is not illegal for a person to ride a bicycle in the part of Orem where I was hit (both this year and two years ago).

Even IF it were illegal for a person to ride a bike on the sidewalk, would that make it legal for a person to run them over with a car on the sidewalk? I should hope that is not the case.

The intent behind my original letter to the editor was to remind people to check to their right before turning onto State Street in hopes that future incidents could be avoided for the benefit of all.

I resent the libelous statement that "Perhaps Maj. Black should be aware that it is illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk. Sidewalks are reserved for pedestrians. Bicycles are vehicles." as well as the associated implication that I was somehow to blame for this incident. I saw the woman approaching at a HIGH rate of speed and immediately applied my brakes. I returned to the site later and measured the skid marks I left before she ran over me and they were approximately 15 feet long. In no way was I being negligent or reckless and, apparently, I was not in violation of any law.

If people will slow down and be more cautious when driving we will all benefit. If people will avoid making libelous statements and somewhat personal attacks against strangers we will also be a more civil society.

While the issue is largely gone, I would appreciate some kind of apology from the gentleman who falsely insinuated that I was breaking a law and that this incident was due to some personal fault of mine or some error in my judgment.

Indeed, if anyone's judgment in this issue is flawed, I would argue that both the lady who failed to check where she was driving before she drove there as well as the person who was only partially informed before making broad-stroke comments about legal issues they are only partially aware of were both far more lacking in judgment than I have been.

Pittakos wrote:
However, bicycles are vehicles when they are on the street. It is too bad that so many bicyclists don't realize that and don't obey the traffic laws just like all the other vehicles. How many times have I seen a bicyclists that demands to be respected on the road yet they will blow right through a stop sign?

It's about time Bicyclist were imposed upon like anyone else that uses roads. Make them get a license and register their bike AND insurance...they can start contributing to road maintenance fees and taxes;
they want to obstruct traffic, run through stop signs, fine...then let the cops start ENFORCING the law and issue them tickets; impound those bikes for no insurance, no registration. They want to whine, then make them conform.

I agree that bicyclists should contribute to road maintenance fees and taxes.

Currently I have 5 vehicles, all of which are registered and all of which are insured. I also own a house in town which has property taxes assessed against it and I even pay income taxes.

Does anyone really think that a person who rides a bike is generally doing it because they have no other option? I suppose that might be true in some cases, but based on my own experience I believe people ride bicycles for other reasons such as exercise, conserving fuel/money, enjoying the outdoors, etc.

I also believe that bicyclists should obey traffic laws and the police enforce laws to the best of their ability.

Perhaps there is some merit in what you say about requiring people to register and insure their bicycles but where do we draw the line? Should we then burden our system with bicycle licenses or, perhaps, get a bicycle license endorsement on our drivers license like we do for motorcycles (BTW, I have two). I, for one, have no desire to have additional laws or requirements placed upon me - particularly when it comes to something as simple as a bicycle.

If we're not careful the next thing you know the old Beetles song about Mr. Taxman taxing the air you breath might be part of our lives because, after all, nobody really NEEDS to breath, just like nobody really NEEDS to ride a bike - it's just something you choose to do or not.

EHBIV wrote:
I agree that bicyclists should contribute to road maintenance fees and taxes.

Currently I have 5 vehicles, all of which are registered and all of which are insured. I also own a house in town which has property taxes assessed against it and I even pay income taxes.

Does anyone really think that a person who rides a bike is generally doing it because they have no other option? I suppose that might be true in some cases, but based on my own experience I believe people ride bicycles for other reasons such as exercise, conserving fuel/money, enjoying the outdoors, etc.

I also believe that bicyclists should obey traffic laws and the police enforce laws to the best of their ability.

Perhaps there is some merit in what you say about requiring people to register and insure their bicycles but where do we draw the line? Should we then burden our system with bicycle licenses or, perhaps, get a bicycle license endorsement on our drivers license like we do for motorcycles (BTW, I have two). I, for one, have no desire to have additional laws or requirements placed upon me - particularly when it comes to something as simple as a bicycle.

If we're not careful the next thing you know the old Beetles song about Mr. Taxman taxing the air you breath might be part of our lives because, after all, nobody really NEEDS to breath, just like nobody really NEEDS to ride a bike - it's just something you choose to do or not.

The point is, if bicyclist are going to whine about having same access to roads and highways, then they step up to the plate and follow all traffic laws and regulations as motorists...otherwise they can stay on the bike trails that taxpayers contributed to build.