Description
Wrong way cyclist on North Ave. Witnessed a car attempting to turn left on North Ave slam on their brakes and almost get rear ended due to a cyclist traveling the wrong way. Both traveling North. Why cant anything be done?
Wrong way cyclist on North Ave. Witnessed a car attempting to turn left on North Ave slam on their brakes and almost get rear ended due to a cyclist traveling the wrong way. Both traveling North. Why cant anything be done?
26 Comments
IT Department (Verified Official)
Wayne Savage (Registered User)
Bnice (Registered User)
Not exactly, he said he won't waist his resources ticketing and enforcing 24/7 due to much more important matters facing the city. They'll certainly call out infractions when they see them (not following rode rules, no lights at night, etc) but will use their best judgement on enforcement.
I would think the influx of wrong way cyclists is due to the Bike Path detour. Many using this recreation path are not accustomed to riding in real traffic and are prob just trying to get back on the path. I'm not saying it's right, just what I suspect.
That Guy (Registered User)
Burlingtonian (Registered User)
Wayne Savage (Registered User)
That Guy (Registered User)
gil (Registered User)
Burlingtonian (Registered User)
So who will educate them? Has Local Motion stepped forward to address this issue? Their last PR campaign was to inform drivers that cyclists are real people.
That Guy (Registered User)
That Guy (Registered User)
That Guy (Registered User)
That Guy (Registered User)
Wayne Savage (Registered User)
Burlingtonian (Registered User)
Youve missed the point completely. Informing Cyclist of a detour is not educating them of the rules of the road. HAS LOCAL MOTION EVER ATTEMPTED TO PLACE SIGNS EDUCATING CYCLISTS OF THE RULES OF THE ROAD.
And yes cyclists are occassionally on route 127.
Burlingtonian (Registered User)
Toiletmanners (Registered User)
FixBTV; Local Motion has indeed placed tearaway flyers on bike racks throughout the city, explaining what the laws for people riding bikes.
I also agree that some "ride with traffic" signs would be helpful.
Wayne Savage (Registered User)
Burlingtonian (Registered User)
Wayne, some are ignorant to the rules, some were never taught by their parents, some don't care.
Maybe Local Motion would care to make a presence on the Avenue with signs telling cyclists to travel with traffic.
Acknowledged Bill Ward Director of Permitting and Inspections (Verified Official)
Bill Ward Director of Permitting and Inspections (Verified Official)
We have notified the police about the issue of wrong way bicyclists.
The best answer to -"can anything be done?" is - Yes. The consequences can be immediate if the police are notified of a specific person violation the law. If a motorist ran a red light and nearly caused an accident, most people would call the police and give a description to the dispatcher and explain that there is a hazardous motorist. That does not seem to be happening when there are bikes doing the same thing. People should get a description of the person creating the hazard and call the police at the time of the incident. Giving a direction of travel is important. Reporting it later in the day, the next day or days later is not going to change that cyclist's behavior.
If residents want directed action on patrolling for bicycle violators, they should contact the officer in charge at the police department. There is a supervisor on duty 24 hours a day. That person is the officer in charge. Explain what you specifically want and they can direct the request based on the geographic location.
Comments like - "it's bad all over the city" are not as helpful as "North Winooski at North Street between 3 and 4 p.m. are particularly bad for bicyclist violations". The later is descriptive enough to help get enforcement at the problem spot at a time when they are likely to find the problem you are trying to solve.
I hope this helps.
That Guy (Registered User)
FYI, I reached out to the folks at Local Motion after seeing the additional detour signage they had already placed to supplement what Parks & Rec had up for bike path detour signage. LM is now making another batch of "detour safety tip" signs that include:
"stop for stop signs & red lights"
"ride to the right in single file"
"look behind you and signal your turns"
and "if riding on the sidewalk, go slow and yield"
Hopefully these help with all the recreational riders that are being diverted into traffic on North Ave.
I also suggested they distribute material about the detour and how to properly ride it through their trailside rental center, and through the other bike shops in town that rent bikes.
Wayne Savage (Registered User)
Toiletmanners (Registered User)
gil (Registered User)
Closed Tmiles (Verified Official)