Public Policies on Biking???

[pikato]

Hey y'all,
In my grad class we have to write a research paper on a local, state or federal public policy of our choosing. I'd really like to do something with bikes and was curious if anyone knew of a public policy dealing with biking?? I'm looking into maybe comparing another state or city's policy to my city or state.

[fatbottomedgurl]

I know that Idaho has a slow and yield at stop signs for bikes, and a stop and proceed with caution at red lights. I wish...

Simi Valley Police are currently doing a crack-down on cyclist violations due to many car vs bike accidents. (Usually wrong-way bikers/ bikes on sidewalks entering street at intersections.)

[Lenusik]

This is a very interesting research. I googled some information for you and found a website that might be useful for your paper:
http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/bikelaw.htm
Let us know when you get a A on your paper.

[TsPoet]

If the paper you come up with has an abstract or summary, maybe you could post it here, might be interesting.

[pikato]

Yeah there will definitely be a summary. I'll probably post it on my blog, then show the link here. That bad boy is gonna be 20 pages!!!!

[Geonz]

Illinois has unique policies, though not always written. While the law basically says cyclists have a right to the road, in a legal case a rider lost his injury suit because, as there were no "bike route" marks or other indicators taht bicyclists were welcomed, the construction crews who left things in a hazardous condition should not have had to think about whether a bicyclist would get hurt since they weren't "expected users."
As a result, many governmental bodies have taken down "bike route" signs and are not planning bicycle routes, paths or facilities on the grounds that it would be... oh, some technical term for a way they might get sued. THe fact that the reason behind it isn't because somebody sued and got a bunch of money just twists the gizzards... there is a lot more info about this at http://www.bikelib.org
Another interesting "public policy" - don't know if this is the kind of thing you're looking for or not -- is the fact taht in this fair state, funds are given for assorted things like cycling and transportation and this and that... but you're expected to give soem of it back. (Politics in Illinois is *not* transparent or neat.... or, ahem, clean.) The percentage given back from funds that would help cyclists is astronomically higher than other give-backs - but thanks to a letter-and-call campaign it was much better this year (tho' the politicians have a way of doing what they were going to do behind our backs, anyway). The LEague of ILlinos Cyclists' site has a little more on that, too.

I was going to go be productive, but I can't. I forgot the stuff I have to produce stuff. Aargh!!!

[laughlaugh18]

Look around the Los Angeles Bike Coalition page: http://labikecoalition.org/

They work with local political agencies. Especially look for the links about the Los Angeles Department of Transportation. LA DOT actually have a bicycle advisory committee and a Bicycle Coordinator: http://labikecoalition.org/positions/bac_vacancies.html

Also, what about local trasportation agencies (e.g. Los Angeles Metro)? I'm sure there are lots of public policy fights about bikes on public transit, bike lanes, etc. Do a little googling and I bet you'll find alot.

Good luck!

[pikato]

Yeah, I found the Bicycle Coordinator for Texas & emailed him to see what info he could provide me with, and given the info I've found so far, I think the best place for me to compare Texas to is Cali......

[Lifesgreat]

I would be very interested in the information you find out. I am an elected official gently and persistently working toward some community bicycle policies.

[kiwi girl]

It wasn't clear to me if you meant strategies or more detailed policies, and yu probably want a US comparator - but since I work for the organsiation which put out this http://dev.silverstripe.com/base2/mot/assets/NewPDFs/getting-there.pdf I really should put it up

[Quillfred]

Sounds like a great project idea. The Bicycle Alliance in Washington State works with the local Seattle bike club, Cascade, to shape our local and state policies.

http://www.bicyclealliance.org/programs/BAWLobby.html


Lifesgreat is an elected official shaping public policy for cyclists in Utah!!! That is most excellent!!! Ride On!!!!


Quill