[Vision2020] PR - Bicycle and Pedestrian Enforcement Mobilization

[Ted Moffett]

One important point regarding Idaho code impacting bicycles riding on
sidewalks is the requirement for a front light and back reflector for
bicycles from sundown to sunrise still applies, even if the bicyclist is
only using sidewalks.

Pedestrians are not required by code to carry lights at all, though I think
the code should require pedestrians to do so...

If a bicyclist presents a hazard on the sidewalk or crosswalk or in
drive-ins where motor vehicles cross sidewalks, to enter parking areas, so
does a pedestrian, and even more so would someone running fast, or on a
skateboard or roller blades.   But if a bicyclist without a front light is
hit by a motor vehicle, while cyclilng on the sidewalk after sunset before
sunrise where a sidewalk crosses a drive-in, the bicyclist is in violation
of code, but a pedestrian in the exact same circumstance is not... I've
never seen a Idaho Code reference to runners or roller bladers but an
inattentive skateboarder on a sidewalk at night can be hazard, no doubt.

I was basing these comments on this 2010 Vision2020 post indicating this
Idaho code from
Stephanie Kalasz skalasz at ci.moscow.id.us

http://mailman.fsr.com/pipermail/vision2020/2010-March/068854.html

MOSCOW POLICE DEPARTMENT

-Idaho Code: 49-723
Bicyclists must use a headlight at night, visible 500 feet to the front.
The light may be attached to rider or bicycle. The bicycle must also be
equipped with a reflector clearly visible to the rear. Headlights are
required for bicycles, even on the sidewalk.
------------------------------
However, right now Idaho Code: 49-723 does not contain this wording,
according to this source.  The "even on the sidewalk" clause is missing:

http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title49/T49CH7SECT49-723.htm

49-723. Light and reflector required at night. Every bicycle in use at the
times described in section
49-903<http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title49/T49CH9SECT49-903.htm>,
Idaho Code, shall be operated with a light emitting device visible from a
distance of at least five hundred (500) feet to the front, attached to the
bicycle or the rider, and with a reflector clearly visible from the rear of
the bicycle.
------------------------------
So, masters of the Idaho Code, please explain?  Why is the wording
different from these two sources for the same 49-723 code?  Is a front
light still required by Idaho Code for bicyclists riding only on sidewalks
between sundown and sunrise?
------------------------------------------
Vision2020 Post: Ted Moffett


On Tue, Jul 30, 2013 at 9:01 AM, Stephanie Kalasz
<skalasz at ci.moscow.id.us>wrote:

>  *City of Moscow *
>
> 206 E Third Street****
>
> Moscow, ID 83843****
>
> Contact: Gary J. Riedner, City Supervisor****
>
> p    |    208.883.7006****
>
> e    |  griedner at ci.moscow.id.us****
>
> w   |    www.ci.moscow.id.us****
>
> * *
>
> *PRESS RELEASE*
>
> *Bicycle and Pedestrian Enforcement Mobilization***
>
> * *
>
> *July 30, 2013 (Moscow, Idaho) - *The Moscow Police Department, in
> conjunction with agencies throughout the state, is focusing our efforts to
> ensure that motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists are aware of and
> complying with Idaho State Laws regarding roadways, crosswalks and traffic
> control devices.  Our hope is that this campaign will heighten awareness
> and encourage safe and positive interactions between drivers, pedestrians
> and bicyclists. ****
>
> ** **
>
> For example a bicycle rider demonstrates due care when they are
> predictable to other vehicles by not driving out into traffic, off
> sidewalks or crossing streets without allowing enough time and distance for
> vehicles on the roadway to slow down or stop.  The use of hand signals also
> allows those traveling around bicyclists to know what the rider’s
> intentions are. Please remember that according to Idaho Code 49-717, a
> bicyclist, when traveling in the roadway, is considered a vehicle, if a
> bicyclist cannot keep up with the flow of traffic then please ride close to
> the right side of the lane allowing others to safely pass.  When in the
> roadway, including bike lanes, bicyclists may not ride against traffic.  If
> a bicyclist is traveling on the sidewalk or in a crosswalk, a bicyclist has
> all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same
> circumstance, Idaho Code 49-721, but is required to yield the right of way
> to pedestrians on the sidewalk.  ****
>
> ** **
>
> For pedestrians, be aware of your surroundings, obey pedestrian control
> signals and don’t cross against red lights.  Although pedestrians have the
> right of way in the crosswalk in most circumstances, please make sure it is
> first safe to enter the crosswalk.  Sudden entry onto the roadway or
> crosswalk is prohibited and dangerous.   ****
>
> ** **
>
> Finally for motorists, please avoid distractions, stay alert and keep an
> eye out for pedestrians and bicyclists, especially near crosswalks. One of
> the most important things for everyone to remember is to be courteous, have
> patience and share the road, arrive alive.  ****
>
> ###****
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> *Story Contact:* Lt. Paul Kwiatkowski**
>
> *Phone:* 208.883.7067**
>
> *Email:* pkwiatkowski at ci.moscow.id.us **
>
> * *
>
> * *
>
> *The City of Moscow delivers quality municipal services while ensuring
> responsible use of resources. *
>
> *We anticipate and meet the needs of our diverse population in order to
> build public trust and enhance a sense of community.*****
>
> ** **
>
> ** **
>
> =======================================================
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>                http://www.fsr.net
>           mailto:Vision2020 at moscow.com
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