SIDEPATH

The Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition supports a change in the law governing where bicycles can ride. We request your support in having the “Sidepath Law” rescinded.

The current law, 23 V.S.A. § 1139. Riding on roadways and bicycle paths, says: “(c) Whenever a usable path for bicycles has been provided adjacent to a state roadway, bicycle riders shall use the path. However, the legislative body of a municipality may authorize the operation of a bicycle on a town highway even though a bicycle path is adjacent.”

We believe that this statute should be rescinded because:

• The provision does not seem to be enforced anywhere in Vermont.
• There is no way to tell which municipalities have authorized bicycles on their highways and which have not. The law is not clear about jurisdiction over bicycles on town roads vs. state highways. The law is also unclear as to the definition of a sidepath, so that bicyclists may know when they are required to take one.
• The Vermont Agency of Transportation’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (Adopted December 1998) recommends repeal.
  
            http://www.aot.state.vt.us/planning/BIKEPED.htm
  
  “… To avoid potential accidents from conflicting uses of multi-use paths, advanced high-speed bicyclists should be allowed to remain on the roadway system in order to avoid conflicts between beginner and advanced bicyclists and other path users.” National groups have similar recommendations; for example, the League of American Bicyclists opposes “… forcing bicyclists to use ‘special’ bicycle facilities.” (LAB, 1998, 1999)
• Some of Vermont’s sidepaths designed over the past decades do not meet today's safety standards for width or intersection crossings. This increases the desirability for faster bicyclists to be able to choose to use the road. Moreover, design of safe and functional sidepaths is complex.

The Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition supports the construction of well-designed sidepaths. We believe that many less experienced riders may find them more comfortable than roads. What we oppose is the requirement that bicyclists use sidepaths. Both roads and bicycle paths are a part of the mix of facilities for human-powered transportation, fitness, and recreation.

When bicyclists use the road they must do so with courtesy and respect for cars and other road users. The Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition has several programs through which we seek to educate both bicyclists and drivers about sharing the road.