LexRides

[jkizzle]

[elzie5000]

[seicer]

I've actually had some pretty spirited discussions with the cops on the bike while riding around town. They don't really enforce the "no bikes on sidewalks" ordinance, and really have no intention to do so, because in some cases, the sidewalk is a better alternative to a portion of roadway that has a ton of loose gravel, craters, etc. Like, portions of Euclid after a nice freeze-thaw-rain-ice cycle.

I wonder how much they bike around town. I saw a few out on Winchester Road by Hardee's and Eastland a few weeks ago, and have seen them hoofing it around in north Lexington.
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Sherman Cahal | Cincy Rides

[brokebike]

[jkizzle]

[david]

A heated exchange with an SUV driver this morning motivated me to visit this old thread.

Does anyone know of a single page summary of KY/Lexington regulations I could hand to the next person who attempts to kill me? Large print and pictures might be required.

Alex made a comment about giving bicycles at least three feet when passing. Is that a KY Reg? Colorado just enacted this rule.

[david]

I will keep a copy of pages 65 and 66 from the KY Driver's Manual in my bag to share. It might be more effective than yelling.

http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/pdf/2006_ky_drivers_manual.pdf

[alex]

[roller]

RULES FOR MOTORISTS CONCERNING BICYCLES
A motorist must:
• Share the road with bicycles.
• Before passing a cyclist, look to see if there is loose debris on the pavement that might cause them to move into the center of the lane. Pass a cyclist only when it can be done safely, and give ample room (3 feet) between your car and the cyclist. Realize the air turbulence your vehicle can create at high speeds or in windy weather. Give the cyclist extra room if your vehicle has extended outside rearview mirrors. Return to the lane only when you are safely clear of the overtaken bicyclist.
• Look for cyclists. Because of their narrow profile you will need to develop your eye-scanning patterns to include bicyclists.
• When you are turning right after passing a cyclist, leave ample room so you don’t cut him off when you slow for your turn.
• When opening your car door, check behind for cyclists.
• At night be extra alert and don’t use your high beams, for they will temporarily blind the cyclist.

Remember, bicyclists are not special and privileged. They have the same
rights, rules, and responsibilities as all other highway users.

[sailorjames]

Think we can sticky this thread?

[brokebike]

sure. Done.
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[toxic_howard]

I'm one of the ones that patrols Downtown, full time, all year. As a "newbie" to this site, I've been reading the posts about what people think of us. I know some people don't like that we ride on the sidewalks. I don't like riding on the sidewalks, but it's necessary for my job. I ride in the street as much as possible, but in some parts of downtown I have to be on the sidewalk to be effective. I'm tasked with keeping an eye on the businesses Downtown, around Woodland and in Chevy Chase. I interact with the homeless and the mentally ill that live on the sidewalks and in the parks. I give directions to countless people daily who are walking downtown, and I'm the one who knows who steals bikes. I check bikes every week that I know are stolen, but usually the serial numbers are not on a report.

I stop cars on my bike, which has its own required skill set, and write tickets for running red lights and who cut people off in the crosswalks. I call out people who jaywalk and who ride the wrong way in the bike lanes. I ride through countless parking lots unnoticed looking for people breaking into cars. If I had to stay in the street all the time, I might as well be in a nice climate controled cruiser with my personally owned satellite radio. When I'm on the sidewalk, I always yield to pedestrians and I have things like herbies, patio furnature, light poles etc. to dodge. As far as pure riding goes, I much prefer the street anyday. Only in a true emergency do I ride against traffic. If I'm just patroling and I'm going against traffic, I get on the sidewalk. I signal my turns and lane changes and set a good example for cyclists to cars.

When I'm in uniform, I know I get better treatment from vehicles, but when I'm riding my roadbike 40 miles to Midway on the weekends I know exactly what cyclists have to put up with from uninformed, careless, or just plain malicious drivers.

I drove a cruiser for 14 years before I got this assignment and I interact with more people in an hour on the sidewalk than I would in a whole day in a car. A bike allows me to cover several square miles effectively and I enjoy every minute of it. As for setting a good example, if you mean always wearing a helmet, having things like brakes and lights, I think we do a good job. I know some people still won't agree with this and that's fine. If you have questions, just stop and ask. I'm easy to spot 'cause I'm the only one with fenders.
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I got no problem with the Police, I just like 'em better when they're not around. -Martin Shearer

[brokebike]

welcome to the forum, and thanks for your perspective on this issue. It's refreshing to hear the other side of the story. I'll be the first to admit that I have always had a knee-jerk reaction to bike patrols on sidewalks and I think coming on here telling the story from your perspective does a lot to dispel many of those objections.
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[alex]

thanks for speaking up

[burton]

Welcome to the site!