Comments on: Kansas Bicycle Safety Law Proposal

By: Deb

Deb — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:35:32 +0000

Another problem we have in Wichita is that the bike path around Exploration Place apparently falls into some “black hole” as far as responsibility. My husband and I were riding through there Memorial Day Weekend and were nearly hit by a CAR coming down an adjacent sidewalk. Turned out that a car show was being set up in Exploration Place’s parking lot and they decided to use the bike path as well. No signs, barricades – nothing to warn the pedestrians or cyclists. Apparently, it’s all legal, too! Since Exploration Place is county property, the City isn’t responsible for the bike path/use thereof, so Exploration Place is off the hook for getting permits and, therefore, requirement to put up signs or barricades. Just think – a cyclist or runner could be cruising down the path by the river – a car coming down the sidewalk hits and kills – and no laws were broken!

We might need a State law for this. I don’t know – I’m lost. But this is just plain WRONG!

By: b

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:51:04 +0000

Now that Columbia, MO has passed an ordinance regarding road rage against cyclists, I think Kansas should have some stricter consequenses for cycling incidents, other than just fines.

By: Elaine

Elaine — Fri, 29 May 2009 22:15:23 +0000

I too would like Kansas to adopt the Idaho Biek Stop Law. Many cyclists already do this, so why not make it legal. That way, motorists won’t be so upset if they happen to see a cyclist go past a stop sign without stopping. That seems to be the main complaint I hear from motorists pertaining to obeying the law.

It would be nice also if cyclists could legally go through on a red light in certain situations. For example, early in the morning when there is no car to trigger the light change. I find it irrating if I have to get off my bike, walk over to push a button, then walk back to get into position to cross the road. Either that or the city needs to install sensors that can tell if a bicycle is there.

By: Dan Payne

Dan Payne — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:44:06 +0000

Your proposed statutes are awsome! I especially like the sentence that states that “bicyclists may ride on the roadway when there is only an adjacent recreational bicycle path”. Bike paths that are adjacent to a roadway are one of the most dangerous places to ride, and yet current Kansas law dictates that we are legally required to ride there instead of on the roadway. I also like that your statutes have penalties for violations. With current Kansas law it’s pretty much open season on hitting pedestrians or bicyclists. Your proposed statutes would go a long way towards making drivers responsible for their actions. I commend you for all your work and for trying to make Kansas a safer place to ride.

By: b

Wed, 13 May 2009 03:44:22 +0000

Alan,

I am a new cyclist in KS, so I made it a point to read and study the current KS statutes and pamphlets. I am really glad to see someone has taken the initiative to put together a proposal, so kudos to you!

First, under the ‘Safe Operating Distance’ section, I think the second paragraph is clearer than the first and could soley be used. I was surprised to see the 4′ spacing in the ‘Safe Cycling for Bicyclists of All Ages’ brochure (in .pdf form) that is published by the KS Bureau of Traffic Safety, but not listed in the KS Statutes. So I am glad to see you are including it in a proposed law. I don’t understand why it is in the KS Driving Handbook if it isn’t a statute.

Second, what do you think of adding a statement regarding if there is a need to ride on the sidewalk, the cyclist must yield to pedestrians?

Third, penalties should include the cost of repairs to the bicycle if the motorist is found a fault. Have other states been successful in a misdemeanor penalty for violations of bicycling statutes?

Fourth and last…I agree with jdmitch, I like the rolling stop law.

By: jdmitch

jdmitch — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:24:16 +0000

PS – it would also be nice to get the Idaho Bike Stop Law worked in ( http://urbanvelo.org/bicycle-rolling-stop-animation-idaho-stop-law/ )

By: jdmitch

jdmitch — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:21:42 +0000

Alan,

I like it. One suggestion though, if you can find the most recent driver’s license examination form. The Kansas Driving Handbook ( http://www.ksrevenue.org/dmvdlhandbook.htm )actually states: “When passing a bicyclist use extreme caution and pass four feet to the left of the bicyclist.” Page 24, Bicycles. I know this because I was surprised that the answer was not 3′ when I recently renewed my license. Since the handbook already states 4′… I’d say that’s what should be in the legislation proposal.