black hawkCO bicycle ban
 

background the town of black hawk co is a gambling town with about 20 residents and 15 casinos this past weekend they ticketed 8 bicyclists from bicycling thru town

our the ceo of our state lobby group when to town council tonight

ok even if you dont live in Co u can email town clerk and stay u were planing a trip to co but
you will not book lodging in black hawk, gamble in black hawk or spend any retail $ until bicycle ban is lifted


from bicycle colorado
Black Hawk's Board of Aldermen is
making it clear that they don't want bicyclists or bicycle
events in town. The Board approved an ordinance banning
bicycle riding on almost every street in Black Hawk

follow link to see how you can help

http://bicyclecolo.org/articles/blac...ban-pg1118.htm

Gilpin Co used to be a real nice place before the casinos.

from velonation (link on full article below)

News of the ban is beginning to spread and outrage is the general response. The first question that came to my mind and one that Bicycle Colorado answers was: is the city even allowed to do that?

"The Federal Highways Administration says that public roads should accommodate bicyclists, but they don't withhold funding if their guidance is not followed."

So the real danger here would seem to be the precedent set by this egregious misdirection of the law. Bicycle Colorado is preparing to fight the ban, because "if this ban is not struck down, it opens the door for any other Colorado city to flaunt state stature and ban bicycle access without addressing actual car/bike safety improvements."

http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/44...le-riding.aspx

+1

And, I believe the Aldermen are the casino owners

It is a mess

We gamble, we buy videos and video games, we write laws and lawyers and accountants rule, nobody makes anything anymore. Bedford Falls is turning into Pottersville.

I sent them an email detailing my displeasure. Next time the wife says something about gambling I think I'll book a trip to Reno.

That'll preach, bro.

Still, I agree with one of the posters above. I'm not sure I'd want to ride in a town being overrun by dazed crazed drunk hydrocodoned little old ladies who have just spent 40 hours straight at the penny slots.

If you believe, as I strongly do, that the right to travel under one's own power (walking, bicycling, or comparable for those with impaired mobility) is absolutely fundamental and unalienable under "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," then you will concur that this law is unconstitutional.

I would love to see some Critical Mass events in Black Hawk!

The most troubling aspect is that there are evidently no reasonable alternate routes for through cyclists -- if this is true, the ban is especially troublesome.

I should never post after a few glasses of wine. I tend to get preachy

Nothing wrong with that post. It had some real emotion in it.

My reaction to this is amazement. I can't believe they can do that. I mean a controlled access road like an interstate I can understand but an open public street?!! I can understand banning bikes, roller blades and skateboards from a side walk but a public right of way?

Somebody needs to challenge this in court on general principles.

In Massachusetts, the law clearly states that bicycles may use all public roadways, with the exception of divided express highways that have been properly posted by the state department of public works.
What's the actual law in Colorado? Does it permit local town governments to restrict which vehicles can use their roads?

Big discussion about this over at A & S.

from bicyclecolo.org

June 29- Rally to End Bike Bans!
What: A chance to make your voice heard on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol Bulding. The world is watching and we need to show them that Coloradoans won't stand for bike bans!
Who: Bicyclists, families, advocates, and friends of bicycling. More details on speakers to come.
When: Tuesday, June 29th from 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. (arrive early to make signs)
Where: The west steps of the Colorado State Capitol
Why: The city of Black Hawk has banned bicycles on nearly every city street. We believe this ban is wrong and sets a dangerous precedent in Colorado.

The Velocast boys had a field day with this story.

+1

This is precisely the sort of response the cycling community needs to push. The ban is unconstitutional and needs to be repealed. State law and the national uniform vehicle code need to trump the misguided rantings of some clueless local yokel civic leaders.

Look at a map of Black Hawk's no bikes zone -- it appears to block the only north-south through route though town. The principle is quite simple: if someone wants to ban bicycle traffic, they must provide a reasonable alternate route. Black Hawk has failed to do this. I am normally not a Critical Mass fan, but Black Hawk could certainly use a few CM demonstrations.