Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Garry Ford, City Engineer
Contact Info
(830) 221-4020 - gford@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Approval of the first reading of an ordinance amending Article V of Chapter 126 of the Code of Ordinances regarding bicycles.
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BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
City staff is proposing amendments to Article V of Chapter 126 of the Code of Ordinances regarding bicycles to clean up this ordinance and address the operation of bicycles on sidewalks. In addition, the definition of a “vulnerable road user” is proposed to be moved into the definitions section of Chapter 126. Changes to specific sections are detailed below:
Sec. 126-1. Definitions.
• Revising the diameter of a bicycle wheel from 14 to 10 inches in the definition of bicycle.
• Moving the definition of “vulnerable road user” from Sec. 126-103.
Sec. 126-103. Vulnerable road users.
• Moving the definition of “vulnerable road user” to Sec. 126-1.
Ch. 126, Art. V, Div. 2. Licenses, Tags, Registration and Fees.
• Removing this division for bicycle registration, issuance of bicycle licenses and metal tags, and bicycle inspections. The Police Department does not have a formal process for these procedures, and they are not commonly requested.
Sec. 126-251. Lamps and reflectors.
• Clean up of this section to make it more enforceable.
Sec. 126-266. Traffic regulations apply to persons riding bicycles; competitive racing.
• Removed definition of bicycle as it is already listed in Sec. 126-1.
Sec. 126-267. Obedience to traffic devices.
• Specifying that bicycles in the bike lanes must travel in the direction of adjacent motor vehicles unless the bike lane is designated otherwise.
Sec. 126-271. Manner of riding on roadways; use of bicycle paths.
• Clean up of the text to make more enforceable.
Sec. 126-272. Prohibited on sidewalks; posted areas.
• Renaming section to “Riding on sidewalks”.
• Allowing for operation of bicycles on sidewalks with the exception of specified areas, including where the sidewalk abuts a building, when it would endanger pedestrians, or where operation of a bicycle on the sidewalk is prohibited by an official traffic control device.
• Requiring cyclists on the sidewalk to yield right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.
• Requiring cyclists to dismount and walk their bicycle across in pedestrian crosswalks when pedestrians are present.
• Created exceptions for the riding on sidewalk prohibitions for people 12 years of age or under, an adult accompanying a person 12 years of age or under, and where there is an obstruction in the bike lane adjacent to the sidewalk.
Sec. 126-276. Bicycle turn signals.
• Created this section to require cyclists to give hand and arm signals.
All proposed amendments have been reviewed by the Police Department and City Attorney’s Office.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
2006 Comprehensive Plan: Transportation Goal 21: Provide a system of convenient and safe transportation facilities through comprehensive, cooperative and continuing transportation system planning and development.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
The Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board unanimously voted to recommend the proposed amendments to Article V of Chapter 126 of the City of New Braunfels Code of Ordinances regarding bicycles at their meeting on October 18, 2018.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the amendments to Article V of Chapter 126 of the Code of Ordinances regarding bicycles.