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Cyclists’ Appeals Fall on Deaf Ears
On Tuesday, June 13, 2006, cyclists filled the room at the
Anna City Council public hearing about the bike ban on FM 455 in
Collin County, north of Dallas. The Herald Democrat newspaper estimated
that almost 100 cyclists gathered for the hearing.
Continue reading to learn how you can help....
Speaking on behalf of the cycling community were representatives
from BikeDFW, Plano Bicycle Association, Texas Bicycle Coalition and
two citizens from Anna who oppose the bike ban. The cyclists and
speakers were polite and respectful throughout the meeting.
The speakers offered to work with the City of Anna to plan safe accommodations to all road users. Recommendations from the cycling community to improve the safety of the existing roadway included road markings and signage.
Speakers talked about the importance of bicycling as a physical
activity and the need for our communities to help prevent the alarming
rise of obesity. Cyclists also spoke of the importance of respecting the freedom for Texans to choose for themselves whether it is safe enough to ride on a road.
Ninety-five percent of the citizens in the packed room at Anna High
School were there in support of removing the bike ban on FM 455. Only
one Anna resident spoke in support of maintaining the bike ban. Two
consultants hired by the City of Anna also spoke in support of
continuing the bike ban.
The pleas of cyclists fell on deaf ears. With no discussion
and no questions asked of the speakers, the Anna City Council passed a
motion to stiffen the existing bike ban ordinance. The motion language
increased the fine to $200. The Council also chose to add the penalty of impounding the bicycles of offenders. The motion did remove a requirement that bicycles be registered with the City.
The Council also added the word ‘temporary’ to the bike ban
ordinance with no explanation or discussion. The duration of temporary
was not defined. Texas Bicycle Coalition discussions with engineers at
the Texas Department of Transportation indicate that it will be a
minimum of five years before the roadway in question can be widened.
We need your help!
Texas Bicycle Coalition, BikeDFW and Plano Bicycle Association are
asking Texas cyclists to write respectful letters addressed to Anna
Mayor Kenneth Pelham requesting the City of Anna repeal the bike ban
ordinance.
The Honorable Kenneth L. Pelham
City of Anna
P.O. Box 776
Anna , Texas 75409
If allowed to continue, this bike ban could threaten bicycle access in other Texas communities. It is imperative that we win the battle to overturn the Anna bike ban.
Please remember, you can help in several ways:
1) Write a respectful letter to the Mayor of Anna;
2) Join BikeTexas as a member to support our advocacy efforts; and
3) Continue to support your local club, and if you’re in north Texas, join BikeDFW, the new north Texas bicycle advocacy group.
After the Council’s action, cyclists expressed a clear resolve to continue the campaign to overturn the Anna bike ban.
“We’ve received generous offers of support from a number
of law firms,” said Robin Stallings, executive director of Texas
Bicycle Coalition. “Law clerks have been assigned to research the
common law related to bicycle bans in preparation for any potential
future legal actions. Considering what the Anna City Council did tonight, we can no longer rule out legal action.”
Several cyclists said they intend to ride FM 455 until cited to
provide the basis for a legal test of the ordinance. A cyclist spoke up
and said that if they are ticketed while riding their bike on FM 455
that they will be respectful of the police officer and accept the
ticket calmly to avoid any potential complications. Texas Bicycle Coalition does not condone, nor does it encourage, breaking the law.
“BikeDFW will form a committee to focus on the Anna bike ban here in
the Dallas area and work closely with Texas Bicycle Coalition,”
according to Michelle Holcomb of BikeDFW.
Holcomb announced that the committee will be chaired by Gail Spann,
former chair of Texas Bicycle Coalition and a member of numerous
bicycle organizations. Members of other DFW bicycle clubs and related
organizations will be asked to join the committee. Visit BikeDFW to learn more about the committee.
Rusty Nail, speaking on behalf of Plano Bicycle Association, pledged
to continue working with Texas Bicycle Coalition and BikeDFW until the
Anna bike ban is overturned. Nail said, “This issue is bigger than any
one of us. If the cycling community continues to work together, we will
succeed.”
Several thousand north Texas cyclists were represented by attendees from the following bicycle clubs, organizations and shops:
BikeDFW
Carrollton Cycling Club
Dallas Area Off Road Bicycle Association
Fort Worth Bicycling Association
Greater Dallas Bicyclists
Mirage Cycling Team
Plano Athletic Cycling Club
Plano Bicycle Association
Plano Cycling & Fitness
Red River Velo Club
Ride of Silence
Texas Bicycle Association
Read More about the Anna Bike Ban...
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