Advocacy & Safety - Bike lanes changed for winter?

Here in Ann Arbor, I just noticed that some local bike lanes have recently been relocated from a BOL to the sidewalk. I never noticed this before. Is it happening in other towns?

First we would have to have a bike lane here downriver from you Wyandotte

They are changed to snow dumping lanes, if that's your question.

I just use the next available lane over.

Bike lane? How can you find a bike lane if it's under 4 feet of plowed snow?

And when the snow melts (if it ever does), a whole season of trash and debris will be left behind. Every half-pint whiskey bottle and every used condom thrown out of every car window for four months will be carpeting the bike lanes.

So the consensus seems to be I should count my blessings? Well, maybe so!

I just hope they don't think this is an "innovation," and forget to change it back in the Spring. I really don't trust that the Washtenaw County Pedestrian and Bicycleing Coalition really have good sense. There's a series of recent blogs calling for absolute right of way for pedestrians at crosswalks, while approaching the curb.. I could agree that a pedestrian in the crosswalk has right of way, but what pappenned to teaching people to stop and look both ways (all ways) before crossing the street? We have U of M students who walk with earbuds in all the time. They can't even hear if a noisy car is coming, much less a bike or hybrid car.

I realize there are movements to minimize car travel, but I thought the point of an immediately realistic advocacy program was to establish rules for both modes of travel to be efficient.

I guess I've hijacked my own thread.

And when the snow melts (if it ever does), a whole season of trash and debris will be left behind. Every half-pint whiskey bottle and every used condom thrown out of every car window for four months will be carpeting the bike lanes.

Don't forget the car parts - everything from bits of trim and chunks of tail-lights to entire side mirrors.

Then, one magic day in April, everything is swept away, and the streets are clean curb to curb. Like the return of seagulls, this marks the seasonal transition - from winter to construction season.

Don't forget the car parts - everything from bits of trim and chunks of tail-lights to entire side mirrors.

If anyone needs a lightly dented rear quarter panel for a silver 2004 Honda Civic....with part of the bumper still attached...

If anyone needs a lightly dented rear quarter panel for a silver 2004 Honda Civic....with part of the bumper still attached...

Sorry - one of the fellows at C&V hit the motherload when he got a nearly mint '64 Vette front clip out of the trash :D

-Kurt

Don't forget the car parts - everything from bits of trim and chunks of tail-lights to entire side mirrors.

Then, one magic day in April, everything is swept away, and the streets are clean curb to curb. Like the return of seagulls, this marks the seasonal transition - from winter to construction season.

Ah the natural flow of the seasons in the northern climes of North America!

Having just moved from Ann Arbor, can you please describe what you saw in more detail? Were bike lanes actually painted over (aka removed)? Or did they simply get covered over with snow and such? Thanks.


Here in Ann Arbor, I just noticed that some local bike lanes have recently been relocated from a BOL to the sidewalk. I never noticed this before. Is it happening in other towns?

Having just moved from Ann Arbor, can you please describe what you saw in more detail? Were bike lanes actually painted over (aka removed)? Or did they simply get covered over with snow and such? Thanks.


I'm talking about 7 th street south of Liberty (Old West Side), the southbound direction. The signage used to say Bike Route, and there was a white line painted about 30 inches from the curb, identifying a bike only area. I can't actually see if the solid white line was removed.

With all the snow we have it is covered with snow. The old sign is gone, and a new sign is posted closer to the sidewalk, saying Sidewalk Bike Path. It's only on the sidewalk on the west side of the street.

Sounds like Ann Arbor is trimming their snow plowing budget. Don't use the sidewalk, use the general travel lane. Talk to your public works people about how dangerous sidewalk cycling is. A few "Share the Road" signs would be much better than routing cyclists to the sidewalk. (They can't be very clear either, are they?)

... Don't use the sidewalk, use the general travel lane. Talk to your public works people about how dangerous sidewalk cycling is. A few "Share the Road" signs would be much better than routing cyclists to the sidewalk. ...

Spot-on!


... I really don't trust that the Washtenaw County Pedestrian and Bicycling Coalition really have good sense. ...

Your first problem is that you have a combined pedestrian and bicycling advocacy group, which presumably understands pedestrian issues first, bicycling issues second, if at all.

Correct me if I'm wrong, Roody, but I think Michigan still has mandatory sidepath rules on the books that would legally mandate cyclist's use of the sidewalk if designated as such.

An onerous law that sometimes subjects cyclists to worse riding conditions, mandatory sidepath laws should be fought against. Sidepaths, rural rails to trails, well designed urban trails all add value to the cycling landscape, but mandating their use does not.

this may be a switcharoo in Ann Arbor cycling accommodations. has the OP checked to see that it isn't a permanent change but only snow related?

Once the snow melts you may find most cyclists ignore impracticable sidepath use until intolerably high volumes of high speed traffic makes it a viable transportation alternative for the cyclist.

Actually, I used to be part of the WBWC (Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition). The group is actually heavily slanted toward cycling. Getting rid of the infamous signs recommending sidewalk riding was and presumably still is one of the goals of the group. I know there is some resistance to the idea from some of the old guard on the city's engineering staff, but much progress was made on Packard a few years ago. It would be interesting to see how and whether the city has backslid.

In terms of sidepaths, I'm pretty sure Michigan has long since repealed the antiquated laws in that area.

I'm starting to think that someone needs to look out for pedestrians too. Personally, I like a certain amount of bike infrastructure and no more. But nobody looks out for pedestrian infrastructure. The way I see things, putting bikes on a sidewalk is destroying pedestrian infrastructure.

i'm starting to think that someone needs to look out for pedestrians too. Personally, i like a certain amount of bike infrastructure and no more. But nobody looks out for pedestrian infrastructure. The way i see things, putting bikes on a sidewalk is destroying pedestrian infrastructure.


agreed about taking paths from peds.

Correct me if I'm wrong, Roody, but I think Michigan still has mandatory sidepath rules on the books that would legally mandate cyclist's use of the sidewalk if designated as such.

An onerous law that sometimes subjects cyclists to worse riding conditions, mandatory sidepath laws should be fought against. Sidepaths, rural rails to trails, well designed urban trails all add value to the cycling landscape, but mandating their use does not.

this may be a switcharoo in Ann Arbor cycling accommodations. has the OP checked to see that it isn't a permanent change but only snow related?

Once the snow melts you may find most cyclists ignore impracticable sidepath use until intolerably high volumes of high speed traffic makes it a viable transportation alternative for the cyclist.

You're right, mostly. The Michigan sidepath law is "local Option." Municipalities may designate a parallel path for bikes and require that it be used. They must indicate this with signs. I've never seen one in the Lansing area, but I understand that a few exist in other parts of the state.

I agree that the law is antiquated and bad for cyclists. Of course, in most parts of Michigan the vast majority of cyclists choose to use a sidepath even when they're not required to. In fact, most choose to use a sidepath even when it's illegal to do so--as in shopping districts.

But the presence of an off-road bike path sign does not indicate mandatory usage of it. I think that was very clear in what I read.

If there is a law that mandates cyclists may not use the road when a marked alternative is provided, I think that is antiquated and worse, childish, and even worse very very stupid. Bikes belong on the street, with the exception of riders who are not personally comfortable there.

Bekologist and Roody, please indicate where I can find the Michigan "mandatory sidepath rules." I searched several places and found just the opposite.

I really don't give a **ts a** what MOST riders wish to do. I don't believe they are right.

But the presence of an off-road bike path sign does not indicate mandatory usage of it. I think that was very clear in what I read.

If there is a law that mandates cyclists may not use the road when a marked alternative is provided, I think that is antiquated and worse, childish, and even worse very very stupid. Bikes belong on the street, with the exception of riders who are not personally comfortable there.

Bekologist and Roody, please indicate where I can find the Michigan "mandatory sidepath rules." I searched several places and found just the opposite.

I really don't give a **ts a** what MOST riders wish to do. I don't believe they are right.

The Vehicle Code is widely available on the Web. I'll give you a link to an MMBA page (http://www.mmba.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=74613) that quotes the sections of the Code relating to bicycles, because there is a lot of interesting info on the web page. Here's the Mandatory Side Path section:


MANDATORY SIDE PATH
Section 257.660.3
Where a usable and designated path for bicycles is provided adjacent to a highway or street, a person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device may, by local ordinance, be required to use that path.

I know it says "electric personal assistive mobility device," but this is the law that applies to bicycles also.

The Vehicle Code is widely available on the Web. I'll give you a link to an MMBA page (http://www.mmba.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=74613) that quotes the sections of the Code relating to bicycles, because there is a lot of interesting info on the web page. Here's the Mandatory Side Path section:



I know it says "electric personal assistive mobility device," but this is the law that applies to bicycles also.

Ok, I get this and didn't find it in the past, but I wasn't looking for electric chairs. How do you get that this applies to bikes, as well?

Plus, the qualification that the path is "usable" is an important one, like riding as close to the right as "practicable."

Is the Vehicle Code you mention for Michigan or ??? I've just read about the Uniform Vehicle Code in "Bicycling and the Law" by Bob Mionske, and it is not a set of laws in force, but a set of model statutes. Useful for discussion, but not the representation of laws in force.

Road Fan

Correct me if I'm wrong, Roody, but I think Michigan still has mandatory sidepath rules on the books that would legally mandate cyclist's use of the sidewalk if designated as such.

An onerous law that sometimes subjects cyclists to worse riding conditions, mandatory sidepath laws should be fought against. Sidepaths, rural rails to trails, well designed urban trails all add value to the cycling landscape, but mandating their use does not.

this may be a switcharoo in Ann Arbor cycling accommodations. has the OP checked to see that it isn't a permanent change but only snow related?

Once the snow melts you may find most cyclists ignore impracticable sidepath use until intolerably high volumes of high speed traffic makes it a viable transportation alternative for the cyclist.

Actually I have not checked whether the change is just for snow, or permanent. It might be on the web.

I researched Ann Arbor cyclist rights to use the road in the past, and had come to the firm conclusion that both in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County cyclists had the right to use any road other than limited access regardless of the presence of side paths or of guide signs indicating them. Similarly I concluded that cyclists were not constrained to use a BOL if it was provided and not practicable. But I want the freedom to put my wheels where as a rider they will be best placed, and to ride at my efficient speed range.

Personally I avoid sidewalk riding like the plague.

As you suggest, and as I have already indicated earlier in this thread, it might be just for snow.

Ok, I get this and didn't find it in the past, but I wasn't looking for electric chairs. How do you get that this applies to bikes, as well?

Plus, the qualification that the path is "usable" is an important one, like riding as close to the right as "practicable."

Is the Vehicle Code you mention for Michigan or ??? I've just read about the Uniform Vehicle Code in "Bicycling and the Law" by Bob Mionske, and it is not a set of laws in force, but a set of model statutes. Useful for discussion, but not the representation of laws in force.

Road Fan

This is from the Michigan code, which you're finding is quite different from the Uniform Code. I don't know why the paragraph about mandatory side paths says electric devices but not bicycles. I have often wondered. But every authority I read says that it does apply to bikes, and they don't even mention the confusing wording.

This is from the Michigan code, which you're finding is quite different from the Uniform Code. I don't know why the paragraph about mandatory side paths says electric devices but not vehicles. I have often wondered. But every authority I read says that it does apply to bikes, and they don't even mention the confusing wording.

Ok, thanks, but what authorities have said this?

Ok, thanks, but what authorities have said this?

Sorry, I don't have time to find the links now. Try the Michigan.gov and search for bicycle law. You can find the statute, and I think the State Police site has some stuff. There's the MMBA link I provided earlier. Also the League of Michigan Bicyclists. The free publication at the SOS called "What Every Michigan Driver Must Know" contains some info about cycling laws.

Yes, I've just read what's on MMBA and the SOS publication "What Every Michigen Driver Must Know," and I don't think either of those sources nails it down.

I'll hit Mich.gov.

This thread has gone way beyond winter.

But I have just read everything on MCL with keyword "bicycle" and NONE of it states that bicycles must be ridden on a sidepath if one is present. It just doesn't say that. It does say that electric assist vehicles must be on sidepaths or bicycle paths if they are usable and present. I do not believe there is an intended identiy between the electric assist vehicles and bicycles, because there is a very basic, specific, and sensible definition of "bicycle" which has no clue in it about a relationship to any other type of vehicle.

http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-257-4: definition of bicycle

http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-257-660: operation of electric devices and other types on roads and sidewalks. Contains the word "bicycle" but does not contain any direction regarding bicycles.

http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-257-660a: bicycles may be driven on streets.

http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-257-660b: riding two abreast on the street

http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-257-660c: rules that pertain when a bicycle is ridden on a sidewalk

Check 'm out, Michigan in state law DOES NOT require bikes to use sidewalks, except for limited access highways, the only way we can use them is to be on a MUP if it is present. If there isn't one, we have to use another route.

By the way, these are written in very plain English, I don't think you have to be a lawyer to get it if you actually read the full text.

The LMB publication, "What every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know" essentially copies out the full text of these sections of MCL and all the other pertinent sections.

This thread has gone way beyond winter.

But I have just read everything on MCL with keyword "bicycle" and NONE of it states that bicycles must be ridden on a sidepath if one is present. It just doesn't say that. It does say that electric assist vehicles must be on sidepaths or bicycle paths if they are usable and present. I do not believe there is an intended identiy between the electric assist vehicles and bicycles, because there is a very basic, specific, and sensible definition of "bicycle" which has no clue in it about a relationship to any other type of vehicle.

http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-257-4: definition of bicycle

http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-257-660: operation of electric devices and other types on roads and sidewalks. Contains the word "bicycle" but does not contain any direction regarding bicycles.

http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-257-660a: bicycles may be driven on streets.

http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-257-660b: riding two abreast on the street

http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-257-660c: rules that pertain when a bicycle is ridden on a sidewalk

Check 'm out, Michigan in state law DOES NOT require bikes to use sidewalks, except for limited access highways, the only way we can use them is to be on a MUP if it is present. If there isn't one, we have to use another route.

By the way, these are written in very plain English, I don't think you have to be a lawyer to get it if you actually read the full text.

The LMB publication, "What every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know" essentially copies out the full text of these sections of MCL and all the other pertinent sections.

Well you got me puzzled, so I also did some more research. According to m-bike.org (http://www.m-bike.org/blog/2006/08/24/bicyclists-update-and-improve-michigan-road-laws), the 2006 revision to the Code


"Eliminates language that allows local ordinance to require bicyclists to use an adjacent side path. It also eliminates requirement that a bicyclists under age 16 use the side path unless an adult accompanies him or her."

However, the LMB's "What every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know" (c)2006 (http://www.lmb.org/pages/Resources/Legal/Bike%20Paths_vs_Roadways.htm) clearly states the opposite. I wonder if this was written before the law was changed in 2006. Other sources that I read might be outdated also. It's surprising that they wouldn't have been updated in the last two and a half years, however.

So I guess that I'm now inclined to agree with you that there is no longer a side path law in Michigan. I'd like to get a definite ruling, however.

Thanks for all the work you put into this, Road Fan. You did a great job. Does it occur to you that we shouldn't have to work this hard to discover what a law is? It's hard for the citizens to obey a law when they can't find it!

Well you got me puzzled, so I also did some more research. According to m-bike.org (http://www.m-bike.org/blog/2006/08/24/bicyclists-update-and-improve-michigan-road-laws), the 2006 revision to the Code


"Eliminates language that allows local ordinance to require bicyclists to use an adjacent side path. It also eliminates requirement that a bicyclists under age 16 use the side path unless an adult accompanies him or her."

However, the LMB's "What every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know" (c)2006 (http://www.lmb.org/pages/Resources/Legal/Bike%20Paths_vs_Roadways.htm) clearly states the opposite. I wonder if this was written before the law was changed in 2006. Other sources that I read might be outdated also. It's surprising that they wouldn't have been updated in the last two and a half years, however.

So I guess that I'm now inclined to agree with you that there is no longer a side path law in Michigan. I'd like to get a definite ruling, however.

Thanks for all the work you put into this, Road Fan. You did a great job. Does it occur to you that we shouldn't have to work this hard to discover what a law is? It's hard for the citizens to obey a law when they can't find it!

Ignorance is no excuse... ;)

I can theorize about why there is a disconnect, but of course I don't KNOW. The LMB book probably lagged the change in the law. If the State of Michigan desires the MCL to be the up to date available public document of statutes, or to represent such, I have to believe the change made in 2006 has been accurately reflected by now, 2009. I think its best to assume the state website has the most up to date text.