TC - Item 3B - Bicycle Traffic On City SidewalksROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT=:.:.
TO: TRAFFIC COMMISSION
FROM: CHRIS MARCARELLO, DEPUTY PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: APRIL 1, 2010
SUBJECT: BICYCLE TRAFFIC ON CITY SIDEWALKS
SUMMARY
The City recognizes the importance of alternative transportation methods (walking,
bicycling, public transportation) and balancing them with public safety issues created when
they interact with vehicle traffic. The General Plan Circulation Element completed in 2008
discusses these forms of transportation and their impact on the community. Staff recently
received an inquiry related to the usage of bicycles on sidewalks and on local streets.
Currently, the City of Rosemead does not have specific language related to the usage of
bicycles on streets and on sidewalks.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Traffic Commission provide review and comment on the
proposed bicycle traffic guidelines.
DISCUSSION
The California Vehicle Code Section 21100(h) allows local authorities to adopt rules and
regulations by ordinance or resolution related to the operation of bicycles on sidewalks.
The City does not currently have such a regulation in place. In researching this topic staff
has learned that other communities have established rules and regulations to help
encourage safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles.
According to the City's Circulation Element completed in 2008, the City of Rosemead
currently has, one Class I Bicycle Path that runs along the east side of the Rio Hondo River
Channel. There are no other major bicycle routes near the borders of the City. In addition,
the City does not currently have any specially marked bike lanes in public right-of-way
areas.
At its last meeting, the Commission provided staff with comments related to a City bicycle
policy. These comments have been incorporated into a draft policy fog further review.
Submitted by:
CHRIS MARCARELLO
Deputy Public Works Director
Attachment 1- Draft Policy
f:
BICYCLES ON SIDEWALKS
PURPOSE: To establish guidelines regarding bicycle education programs and safe
bicycle travel in the City. -
General Policy: - The City of Rosemead recognizes the need to promote safe
bicycle-travel i6 fesidents and ensure that bicycle safety/education programs are
promoted to the Community.
Provisions: Bicycles may be operated in a safe manner throughout the
community in accordance with the following guidelines:
Riding on Sidewalks
Subject to the provisions of this policy, bicycles may be operated on all sidewalks
except the following: -
A. A person shall not operate any bicycle in a business district, as defined in
Section 235 of the California Vehicle Code, expect at a permanent or
temporary driveway or at specific locations where such locations are
suitable and have appropriate signage and street markings.
B. Where designated bicycle lanes exist on adjacent roadways.
C. The City may designate and declare certain portions of any sidewalk to be
prohibited for bicycle use and shall place appropriate signage or markings.
Riding in Crosswalks
A person operating a bicycle shall dismount and walk the bike if within a marked
crosswalk.
Direction of Travel-
A person operating a bicycle on a sidewalk on a major, secondary, or limited
secondary highway, shall ride in the same direction as vehicular traffic traveling
on the same side of the roadway. When riding in a group, riders shall ride single
file. -
Speed
No person shall operate a bicycle on a sidewalk at a speed greater than is
reasonable and prudent under the conditions then existing and in no event at a
speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.
Yielding Right-of-Way
A. Whenever any person is operating a bicycle on a sidewalk, such person
shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible
signal before overtaking and passing pedestrians.
B. A person operating a bicycle upon a sidewalk, before overtaking and
passing a sight-impaired person carrying a white cane or guide'dog, shall
dismount and pass on-foot.
C. A person operating a bicycle on a sidewalk approaching upon a driveway
shall yield the right-of-way to all traffic.
D. The operator of a bicycle emerging from a driveway, bicycle path; buildir@, -
or otherwise approaching upon a sidewalk, shall yield the right-of-way to
all pedestrians on such sidewalks.
E. A person riding a bicycle upon entering a roadway or driveway from a
sidewalk shall yield to all traffic. _
Education '
The City will inform the community of safe bicycling procedures in concert with
the advertisement of other City safety programs (i.e. City newsletter, local
publications, local school district events). These events will focus on safe places
to ride bicycles, cycling tips, and bicycle safety practices.'