Friday, October 31, 2014

Share the roads – bikes belong

According to City of Athens Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan –yes, the city has a comprehensive plan for improving the safety and quality of bicycling and walking in the city – Athens already has a lot to be proud of. Of all communities nationwide of similar size, Athens has the second highest number of pedestrian commuters and the 11th highest number of bicycle commuters.
One factor necessary for safe streets is an informed public. Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians should all be aware of the law as it applies to bicycling on city streets and county roads. The short version could be summed up as “bikes belong.” The long version is available at the Ohio Department of Transportation Web site.
Here are a few key state laws overseeing bicycle traffic, along with the relevant section of the Ohio Revised Code for the complete text:
· Bicycles are vehicles under Ohio state law (4511.01 G)
· No local regulation shall prohibit the use of bicycles on any public street or highway except as provided in section 4511.051 of the Revised Code (4511.07 A8)
· Bicycle operators must signal turns, stop at stop signs and obey traffic laws (4511.39 A)
· Bicycle operators on roadways must follow Ohio traffic laws; bicycle operators should ride as far to the right of the lane “as practicable” (4511.55 A)
· Bicycle operators may ride two abreast in a single lane (4511.55 B)
· Bicycle operators may use the full lane if it is not safe or practicable (think of narrow lanes, sewer grates and open car doors) to ride to the far right (4511.55 C)
· Riding on sidewalks is banned in many Ohio cities, including on certain sidewalks in Athens (Athens City Code of Ordinances 7.03.39)
In addition, the Ohio House Transportation Committee approved House Bill 145 on May 27, which would require motorists to pass bicyclists at least three feet to the left (proposed 4511.27 A1). It is now up to the discretion of the speaker of the house to bring the bill to a full house vote. If you want to contact your state representative about this, you can do so at www.votervoice.net/BikeLeague/campaigns/36268/respond.
You can find the bicycle and pedestrian plan as well as other useful links at bikeandwalkathens.blogspot.com. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians should all follow the law at all times; safety is a two-way street.
 

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan

Check out this link for the City of Athens master plan for cycling and walking in the city.

https://www.athenscyclepath.com/Athens_Bicycle_and_Pedestrian_Plan.pdf

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Athens Simply Cycling Event, May 19, 2012

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Location: Athens Community Center

Contact: Carrie Stemrich at stemrich@gmail.com

May 19 2012
Celebrate National Bike Month at the Athens Simply Cycling Event on May 19. Simply Cycling will begin with an informal meet-and-greet from 1-2pm, where Athens cyclists can meet each other and representatives of various cycling organizations represented in Athens.
 Afterward there will be a skills course from 2-3:30pm for adult riders who wish to learn basic bike handling and safety and handling basics.
 Those planning to stay for the skills course should bring a bike and helmet.

http://www.athensohio.com/events/special-events/athens-simply-cycling-event-2012-

Monday, June 13, 2011

We welcome input regarding bicycling issue in Athens. If you have a suggestion or would like to promote cycling and cycling education in Athens, leave a comment with your name and email.

Thanks.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Bike Plan is available NOW!

A draft of the bike plan for the City of Athens is available by following this link Here. Scroll down the page and you will find another link to download the plan. It's very long, but if you have been going to the meetings, most will look familiar to you.

If you have any suggestions or comments please email Paul Logue at plogue@ci.athens.oh.us

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Bike-In Movie at Eclipse Company Store, The Plains

Tuesday, October 20th -- Bike-In Movie Debut (drivers welcome) -- starts at dusk, rain or shine. Free bag of popcorn for cyclists. Featuring the Film: Chocolat Homemade chocolates, spicy hot chocolate, popcorn and other goodies for sale.

www.eclipsecompanytown.org

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Take the Pedestrian/Bicyclist Survey

A survey has been provided to collect the priorities and concerns regarding non-motorized facilities in the City of Athens, Ohio. This survey is available for anyone who would like to participate. It is a brief 6 page questionnaire that should take less then 15 minutes to complete.

Please simply copy the below link into the HTML of any webpage to access the survey.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=t_2bBJJpmFqGja9F0vQ4_2fXQg_3d_3d