Stay off the sidewalk

Ron Seymour 2009-08-06 Kelowna Courier:

Cyclists who pedal their bikes on sidewalks could soon be hit with a $35 fine by bylaw officers. The crackdown is an attempt to avert a repeat of a recent incident where a cyclist struck a pedestrian as both were using a downtown sidewalk. “Riding on sidewalks creates a dangerous situation,” said Mike Kittmer, the city‘s active transportation co-ordinator. “Cyclists need to educate themselves about how to safely ride in traffic, and motorists need to share the road and keep bike lanes clear.” City crews will soon begin painting “No Cycling” signs on sidewalks at downtown intersections. And bylaw officials, who have issued just nine tickets for riding on sidewalks so far this year, have been told to flip open their fine book more often. A spokesman for the Kelowna and Area Cycling Coalition welcomes the city‘s attempt to get bicyclists to use the road rather than the sidewalk. “I think it‘s a good move, but I‘d also like to see enforcement of other rules that relate to bicycling,” said Don Knox, citing such things as wearing a helmet, riding on the right side of the road and observing traffic lights. The city could also help make bicycling safer by ensuring bike lanes are not blocked with residential garbage, recycling and lawn waste carts or construction signs, Knox said. Knox acknowledged it may take some time for bicyclists who‘ve grown accustomed to riding on sidewalks to move to the streets. “A lot of people don‘t feel comfortable riding on the road. And there are some streets, such as Highway 97 and Highway 33, where you have to wonder if it is safe to be on the road,” Knox said. Children 12 and under are allowed to ride bicycles on city sidewalks. Traffic rules as they pertain to bicycles can be reviewed at Bikesense.bc.ca. The site says responsibility in collisions between bicyclists and vehicles is shared about 50-50.