Thursday, January 15, 2009

Bill to ban bikes on River Road in Nashville

This just in from the TN Bike Advocates Google Group. If this passes it will set a precedent for restricting cycling anywhere we are a nuisance to cars. That's about everywhere but prime local candidates would be Indian Lake Blvd, Saundersville Road, Cages Bend, Shute Lane, Forest Retreat, Center Point etc. An email, letter or phone call opposing this to our State Senators and Representatives would be in order

They can be found at http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/
Bruce
.... This House Bill that was just introduced
and would make it illegal for cyclists to ride on River Rd. in
Davidson/Cheatham Co. This is a state route......

HOUSE BILL 95
By Moore
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55,
Chapter 8, relative to operation of bicycles on
roadways.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 55-8-172, is amended by
deleting the
present language in its entirety and by substituting instead the
following language:
(a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b), every person riding a
bicycle
upon a roadway is granted all of the rights and is subject to all of
the duties applicable to
the driver of a vehicle by this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of
this title, except as to
special regulations in §§ 55-8-171 — 55-8-177, and except as to those
provisions of this
chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title that by their nature
can have no application.
(b) No person shall operate a bicycle on any segment of River Road in
Davidson
County between United States Highway 70 / State Route 24 (Charlotte
Pike) and the
Cheatham County line.
(c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
SECTION 2. The department of transportation is directed to erect
suitable signs or affix
suitable markers on the segment of River Road in Davidson County
between United States
Highway 70 / State Route 24 (Charlotte Pike) and the Cheatham County
line to provide notice of
this act to the motoring public.
SECTION 3. This act shall take effect July 1, 2009, the public welfare
requiring it.

2 comments:

Tango Bravo said...

Thanks Bruce,

This could snowball.

KJ said...

Once again our elected officials opt for the easy way out rather than address an issue and make it right. It's only River Road for now but what a horrible precedent to set!

If this measure goes into effect would someone who LIVES on River Road not be able to ride from their home to other roads? It would sure be a shame to load your bike into a car just to go a half mile to the corner and begin your trip.