Today, at 1:30 PM, the Oklahoma City Traffic and Transportation Commission will consider a recommendation to make several large changes to the city’s cycling ordinances. In brief, the changes consist of the following:
- The proposal would allow cyclists to have full use of the lane on any road designated as a bicycle route. A bicycle route is a designated piece of a road way primarily consisting of the 200 miles of bike routes laid out in the city’s cycling master plan, not just a road containing a “Share the Road” sign.
- In relation to the proposal above, the ordinance would specifically state that a vehicle would be required to fully change lanes to over take the cyclist on designated bicycle routes. If there is no room, to change lanes, the vehicle would be required to yield to the bicycle as a piece of normal traffic and comply with “all traffic control devices and pavement markings which prohibit lane changes.”
- Limits the conditions upon which more than two people can ride upon a bicycle.
- Broadens the places where cyclists can park their bicycles on sidewalks.
- Limit the use of “tall handlebars” (handlebars taller than 12 inches) except upon recumbent bicycles.
The full documentation for the proposed changes by Mr. Randall Entz of the Planning Department, can be found at the Meeting Agenda website: http://www.okc.gov/AgendaPub/meeting.aspx?cabinet=published_meetings&docid=30140. If approved by the Traffic Commission, the proposal would then move to the full city counsel for consideration. The meeting agenda does allow for public comments from citizens. The meeting will be held at the City Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, 200 N. Walker.
Thanks to Pete on the OBC Voices mailing list for the heads up.