[UC] Bike regulations

[Paul Grossman]

This is from today's Almanac... As a bicyclist I agree with not riding in heavy pedestrian areas but it says at the bottom of the article that police are enforcing bikelane areas.  I don't ever see this happen.  Just look outside the Wawa at 38th and Spruce and you will see Police cars themselves parked in the bikelanes with flashers on.  I really think there is a double standard here and the bicyclists are taking the brunt.  I was doored 3 months ago and my wrist is still not back to normal after falling and tearing a ligament.  I still think there needs to be better enforcement of the bikelanes.  Not just talking about it but actually doing something about it.  Just my 2 cents.   Take note of the fines in the article below.  They are pretty hefty.   -Paul   ******** UPPD's Continuing Enforcement of Bicycle Regulations Since September 2003 through October 2004 the University of Pennsylvania Police have investigated 29 vehicle crashes involving bicycles. In response to these crashes the University of Pennsylvania Police Department will resume the enforcement of applicable state and local laws concerning the safe operation of bicycles or pedal cycles.  The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code classifies bicycles and pedal cycles as vehicles granting cyclists all of the rights and subjecting them to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle as outlined in the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code.  Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Section 3508 and Philadelphia Ordinance 12-808 prohibit the riding of bicycles on the side walk. This prohibition includes Locust Walk and all other campus walk ways. The fine plus court costs for the State violation is $115 and the fine plus costs for the City Ordinance is $50.  Riding bicycles on the sidewalk is a dangerous and discourteous behavior. The UPPD is asking for your cooperation. Please use the designated bike lanes when available, ride with traffic, wear a helmet and be predictable. Motor vehicle drivers are also reminded to share the road. The UPPD will continue to support cyclists by enforcing the bike lanes in the area.  To learn more about bicycle safety log on to www.share-the-road.org. _________________________________ Paul Grossman IT Support Specialist School of Medicine Information Services University of Pennsylvania 3620 Hamilton Walk/ 410 Anatomy Chemistry Building Philadelphia, PA 19104 215.898.7817 [EMAIL PROTECTED]