Lost in OK

KFOR put together a nice story on the new Edmond cycling ordinances:

I wanted to make sure to send out a great big thank you to all those who sponsored me for this year’s St. Baldrick’s Day event. Together we raised over $1100 dollars for this great cause. It was also wonderful to see many of you at the event. However, for all those who didn’t brave the chilly weather, here is a video of my shaving:

So, it’s time again for another round of #30DaysofBiking.  I like this event because it gives me a chance to work on some aspect of cycling, and since I’m never in a hurry to improve my speed, I get to work more on just  riding more.  Last time I worked on being calm on the city streets and trying to just enjoy the ride.  This time it has been a long winter and I wimped out through most of it and hardly rode at all.  Well, because of this long delay, I’m going to take this run to remember how much I love riding and to remind myself of all the stuff I don’t get to see when I drive.

Following the cue of Oklahoma City and Norman, the Edmond City Council has passed an ordinance change that requires vehicles to pass cyclists with at least 3-feet of distance. Violation of the ordnance comes with a fine of not more than $500. The Ordinance also makes several other changes to cycling rules in Edmond:

• It officially defines a bicycle as a vehicle when traveling on the road ways.
• Clarifies the definitions of bike lane and shared-use paths.
• Requires that cyclists stay under the posted speed limit.
• Allows cyclists (NOT REQUIRES) to ride on the sidewalk everywhere in Edmond except for the downtown area which is defined as “south of Thatcher, east of the railroadright-of-way, north of Second Street, and west of Littler.”  Not that I would ever recommend taking up the extremely dangerous practice of cycling on the sidewalk.
• Removes the requirement that cyclists have a bell, whistle or other noise maker on their bike.

You can read the full ordinance and background information in the City Council Agenda packet: http://edmondok.com/docs/city_council/meeting_agendas_and_minutes/03_28_2011_packet.pdf

Admittedly, this has nothing even remotely to do with cycling so I hope you’ll forgive the change in subject matter.  In any case, this Sunday, March 27th, at between 2 and 4 PM at VZD’s (4200 N. Western), I will be getting my head shaved in support of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.  This is my second year to participate in this event which raises money for much needed grants for childhood cancer research and I’m gladly taking up their challenge to shave my head not only in solidarity with childhood cancer patients but to also help raise money for this wonderful cause.

The Tulsa World has published a nice article about Tulsa’s latest bike friendly award, this time from Bicycling Magazine:

Tulsa was recently named one of America’s Best Bike Cities by Bicycling magazine - but when it comes to being truly bike-friendly, the city has a little farther to ride, say cyclists and transportation officials.

via Tulsa’s bike-friendliness lauded | Tulsa World.

The story also goes into many of the dangers also faced by cyclists on Oklahoma’s roads including the aggressive drivers we all know and love.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.”
3. Limits the conditions upon which more than two people can ride upon a bicycle.
4. Broadens the places where cyclists can park their bicycles on sidewalks.
5. 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.

At today’s commission meeting, the Oklahoma City Traffic and Transportation Commission unanimously recommended passage of the proposed cycling ordinance changes (see details here).  The proposed changes will now move to the full City Council for consideration.

HB 2049 which would designate Route 66 as an Historic Bike Trail has passed the Oklahoma House and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Spring is upon us!  Every day the sun shines a bit longer, the flowers bloom a bit brighter, the grass turns a bit greener and the Grizzly Adams jokes get just a bit older.  So like last year, I again take up the challenge to remove the fur for the wonderful St. Baldrick’s Foundation.  The St. Baldrick’s Foundation provides much needed grants for childhood cancer research and I’m gladly taking up their challenge to shave my head not only in solidarity with childhood cancer patients but to also help raise money for this wonderful cause.