Bowling Green League of Bicyclists

The Bowling Green League of Bicyclists encourages its members and other cyclists to be ambassadors for biking. Take some time to learn the rules of the road and make riding a safe and positive experience for everyone. You can also promote bicycling in the community by joining in one of our outreach programs, including the Bicycle Friendly Community campaign, bike education for kids, and more.

The Bicycle-Friendly Communities campaign is an awards program that recognizes communities that actively support bicycling. A Bicycle-Friendly Community provides safe accommodation for cycling and encourages its residents to bike for transportation and recreation. The League of American Bicyclists administers the program.

There are currently 58 Bicycle-Friendly Communities nationwide, including other college towns such as Boulder, Colo. and Auburn, Ala. In 2006, Louisville, Ky. became the first city in Kentucky to win the award.

Why should we encourage bicycling?

Encouraging bicycling is a simple way towards improving public health. With more people bicycling, communities experience reduced traffic demands, improved air quality and greater physical fitness. In addition, bicycle-friendly towns are often seen as places with a high quality of life. This can translate into increased property values, business growth and increased tourism.

Can Bowling Green/Warren County be "bicycle-friendly?"

Yes! The Bowling Green League of Bicyclists has decided to pursue BFC designation. A group is forming to work on the project, and we need your help.

How does the process work?

The process is multi-step. First, we need to build support for bicycling in our community by asking city and county officials and local groups to endorse the project. We hope to create and implement an Action Plan to promote bicycling in our community. When we’re ready, we will submit a two-part application. It looks at five areas:

1. Engineering (bike lanes, engineer training, bike racks, etc.)
2. Education (bike safety programs for kids and adults)
3. Encouragement (Safe Routes to School, Bike to Work Day, bike tours, etc.)
4. Enforcement (laws and officer training on bike issues)
5. Evaluation and Planning (comprehensive plan, follow-through efforts)

The League of American Bicyclists reviews applications and talks to cyclists about local conditions in our community. Awards, which are good for two years, are made at the platinum, gold, silver or bronze levels. If we win an award, we will be recognized with an awards ceremony, a Bicycle-Friendly Community road sign, and a formal press announcement.

Are we ready for this program?

We think so. In recent years, the Bowling Green area has seen tremendous growth in bicycle-friendly programs – including new bike lanes, shared use paths, and wonderful programs such as Safe Routes to School. The Greenways Commission already has developed a Greenbelt Master Plan. We think people are ready to make the commitment to a healthier, greener, safer lifestyle.

What if we don't win an award?

It may take us a while to achieve everything that we want, but simply applying for the program will teach us a lot. The process is also a tool to get public officials, civic groups, health care providers, schools, businesses, drivers and cyclists alike to understand the benefits of bicycling. Once we do achieve an award, it must be renewed every two years, so the program encourages continued improvement. In addition, the League of American Bicyclists provides extensive technical support, including a BFC Workshop for our community if we request it.

Does it cost anything to apply?

No. The application is free, thanks to the support of the Bikes Belong Coalition.

How can I help?

Please contact Sara Shipley Hiles, coordinator of the local Bicycle-Friendly Community task force at saraship@gmail.com or (270) 783-7510. Please see www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org for more information on the program.

Be Predictable

Group riding requires even more attention to predictability than riding alone. Other riders expect you to ride straight, at a constant speed, unless you indicate differently. If you find that you're having to slow down a lot to keep a reasonable distance between you and the cyclist ahead, try shifting to an easier gear. Control your speed by your gears; not your brakes or by coasting. The latter options will cause sudden speed changes and should be avoided as much as possible.

Announce Hazards

When riding in a tight group, most of the cyclists do not have a good view of the road surface ahead, so it is important to announce holes, gravel, grates, and other hazards. Indicate road hazards by pointing down at the hazard, and by shouting "hole," "bump," etc.

Slowing / Stopping

When approaching intersections requiring vehicles to yield or stop, signal your intention with hand and verbal signals. Call out "slowing" or "stopping" to alert those behind to the change in speed. In the event the leading cyclist calls "CLEAR", remember that each cyclist is responsible for verifying that there is no approaching traffic before entering the intersection.

Hand Signals

Hand signals for turning and stopping are as follows: Left arm straight out to signal a left turn. For a right turn, put your right arm straight out. To signal slowing or stopping, hold either arm down with your palm to the rear.

Verbal Warnings

Along with hand signals, verbally warn cyclists behind you of your changes in direction or speed. The lead rider should call out "left turn," "right turn," "slowing," stopping," etc. Announce a turn well in advance of the intersection, so that members of the group have time to position themselves properly.

Watch For Traffic Coming From The Rear

Since those in front cannot see traffic approaching from the rear, it is the responsibility of the riders in back to inform the others by saying "Car back". Use the warning "Car up" on a narrow road to warn following riders of approaching traffic.

Questions? Contact VP of Touring, Forrest Halford.

CHAPTER XXII: TRAFFIC AND MOTOR VEHICLES

22-8 BICYCLES

22-8.01 Effect of Regulation.

a.It is a misdemeanor for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in this Subchapter.

b. The parent of any child and the guardian of any ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit any such child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this Subchapter.

c. These regulations applicable to bicycles shall apply whenever a bicycle is operated upon any highway or upon any path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles subject to those exceptions stated herein.

(Ord. BG80-63, S19-260, 7/15/80)

22-8.02 Traffic Laws Apply to Persons Riding Bicycles.

Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by the laws of this State declaring rules of the road applicable to vehicles or by the traffic ordinances of this City applicable to the driver of the vehicle, except as to special regulations in this Section and except as to those provisions of law and ordinances which by their nature can have no application.

(Ord. BG80-63, S19-261, 7/15/80)

22-8.03 Obedience to Traffic-Control Devices.

a. Any person operating a bicycle shall obey the instructions of official traffic-control signals, signs and other control devices applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.

b. Whenever authorized signs are erected indicating that no right or left or U turn is permitted, no person operating a bicycle shall disobey the direction of any such sign, except where such person dismounts from the bicycle to make any such turn, in which event such person shall then obey the regulations applicable to pedestrians. (Ord. BG80-63, S19-262, 7/15/80)

22-8.04 Riding on Bicycles.

a. A person propelling a bicycle shall not ride other than astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto.

b. No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.

(Ord. BG80-63, S19-263, 7/15/80)

22-8.05 Riding on Roadways and Bicycle Paths.

a. Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.

b. Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two (2) abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.

c. Wherever a usable path for bicycles has been provided adjacent to the roadway, bicycle riders shall use such path and shall not use the roadway.

(Ord. BG80-63, S19-264, 7/15/80)

22-8.06 Emerging from Alley or Driveway.

The operator of a bicycle emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall upon approaching a sidewalk or the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway, yield the right-of- way to all pedestrians approaching on the sidewalk or sidewalk area, and upon entering the roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching the roadway.

(Ord. BG80-63, S19-266, 7/15/80)

22-8.07 Carrying Articles.

No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the rider from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.

(Ord. BG80-63, S19-267, 7/15/80)

22-8.08 Parking.

No person shall park a bicycle upon a street other than upon the roadway against the curb or upon the sidewalk in a rack to support the bicycle or against a building or at the curb in such manner as to afford the least obstruction to pedestrian traffic.

(Ord. BG80-63, S19-268, 7/15/80)

22-8.09 Riding on Sidewalks.

The Director of Public Works or his designee is authorized to erect signs on any sidewalk or roadway prohibiting the riding of bicycles thereon.

(Ord. BG80-63, S19-269, 7/15/80; Ord. BG2001-39, 9/18/2001)

22-8.10 Lamps and Other Equipment on Bicycles.

a. Every bicycle when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred (500') feet to the front and with a red reflector on the rear of a type which shall be visible from all distances from fifty (50') feet to three hundred (300') feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle. A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of five hundred (500') feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector.

b. Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make the braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.

(Ord. BG80-63, S19-279, 7/15/80; Ord. BG84-17, 5/1/84) 2 of 2

Provided as a courtesy of the Bowling Green League of Bicyclists. Please check with city officials for the most current revision of the law.

Traffic laws, highway signs, rules-of-the-road, and safety requirements apply to bicycles the same as other vehicles. The Kentucky Driver's Manual gives the following guidance pertaining to bicycles:

BICYCLE LAWS

Kentucky law states that cyclists shall:

"Be granted all the rights and be subject to all the duties" applicable to drivers of any vehicle. A bicycle is a vehicle, not a toy, and, as such, must obey the traffic rules and regulations pertaining to all highway users. Motorists should regard bicyclists as they would any other vehicle.

A signal is required for a vehicle that is not a motor vehicle and may be given by either hand signals, signal lamps, or mechanical devices. The signal shall be given intermittently for the last fifty (50) feet traveled by the vehicle before the turn.

Hand signals shall be executed in the following manner when operating a vehicle that is not a motor vehicle:

1. The hand and arm shall be extended horizontally from the left side of the vehicle to indicate a left turn;
2. The arm shall be extended horizontally from the left of the vehicle with the left hand and arm extended upward from the elbow, or the right arm and hand shall be extended horizontally to indicate a right turn.
3. Either arm shall be extended horizontally with the hand and arm extended downward from the elbow to indicate a stop or decrease in speed.

Some counties have local traffic laws called ordinances. These control the operation and parking of bicycles within city limits. As a driver, it is important for you to know what they are and to obey them at all times.

RULES FOR BICYCLISTS

Never use Interstate and Parkway systems for cycling.

Use hand signals to communicate your actions to other vehicles

Obey the instructions of official traffic-control signals and signs. Stop at stop signs and for stop lights just like a motor vehicle.

Operate a bicycle within posted speed limits or at a rate reasonable for existing conditions.

Ride a bicycle on the right side of the road with traffic.

Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and on sidewalks. Give an audible warning (bell or horn) before passing pedestrians.

When riding at night, operate the bike with a white light visible from the front and a red reflector or light visible from the rear.

Reflector tape may be used for added visibility.

All slower-moving vehicles, including bicycles, shall drive as closely as practical to the right-hand boundary of the highway. Extreme caution should be used when moving out into the center of the road to avoid road debris, to pass another vehicle, or to make a left turn.

DO NOT RIDE ON THE SIDEWALK.

Never park a bicycle on a sidewalk in such a way as to interfere with pedestrian traffic.

Ride on a bike path adjacent to the roadway, if one is provided.

Carry no more persons than the number for which the bicycle is designed and equipped.

Never ride more than two abreast so as to interfere with the normal movement of traffic.

RULES FOR MOTORISTS CONCERNING BICYCLES

A motorist must:

Share the road with bicycles.

Before passing a cyclist, look to see if there is loose debris on the pavement that might cause them to move into the center of the lane. Pass a cyclist only when it can be done safely, and give ample room (3 feet) between your car and the cyclist. Realize the air turbulence your vehicle can create at high speeds or in windy weather. Give the cyclist extra room if your vehicle has extended outside rearview mirrors. Return to the lane only when you are safely clear of the overtaken bicyclist.

Look for cyclists. Because of their narrow profile you will need to develop your eye-scanning patterns to include bicyclists.

When you are turning right after passing a cyclist, leave ample room so you don't cut him off when you slow for your turn.

When opening your car door, check behind for cyclists.

At night be extra alert, and don't use your high beams for they will temporarily blind the cyclist.

Excerpted from the Kentucky Drivers Manual.