“Bike Bills” Update

Yesterday’s work session & vote on 3 of the bike bills went smoothly and with little debate.  Attending the Community Development Subcommittee meeting were Councilmembers Cole, Stokes, Kraft & bills sponsor Mary Pat Clarke.  Several members of Baltimore’s cycling community were present as well.

The 3 bills passed by the Community Development subcommitte include:

09-0175R Informational Hearing – Baltimore Police Department – Police and Cyclists
09-0430 Transit and Traffic – Bike Lanes
09-0431 City Streets – Bike-Safe Grates

09-0175R passed without debate with the official hearing being held sometime in October

09-0430 passed with one amendment citing not only the Manual for Uniform Traffic Contral Devices (MUTCD) for the creation of bike lanes, but also “other nationally recognized standards” which will include NACTO’s “Urban Bikeway Design Guide”.  There was limited debate on the amount of the fine set at $75, (an increase over the proposed $50 fine) whereas a Blocking and Obstructing Traffic fine carries $250.  While the cycling community does support a higher fine, the non-cycling community does not.  Also, Councilman Cole stated that police would more likely write a $75 ticket over a $250 ticket. 

09-0431 also passed without debate.

These bills will be presented to City Council on Monday, September 20th, 5 pm at City Hall.

For more coverage on these bills, visit Baltimore Brew