Title
Ordinance to Amend and Reenact Chapter 6 of the City Code of the City of Hampton, Virginia Entitled “Bicycles” by Amending Article II, Section 6-28 to provide for exceptions to the mandatory requirement that a bicyclist use a bicycle path when one is provided.
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
This ordinance was requested by a citizen concerned about getting a ticket for riding outside of a provided bike path.
Discussion:
This ordinance amendment adds exceptions to the requirement that a bicyclist use a bike path when one is available, in cases such as when there is an obstruction in the bike path, when making a left turn, or when overtaking and passing another bicycle proceeding in the same direction.
Impact:
n/a
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve the Ordinance.
Body
BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia that Section 6-28 of Article II, Chapter 6 of the City Code of the City of Hampton, Virginia be amended to read as follows:
Chapter 6 - BICYCLES
. . . .
ARTICLE II. - EQUIPMENT AND OPERATING RULES
. . . .
Sec. 6-28. - Required use of bicycle paths.
Wherever a usable path for bicycles has been provided adjacent to a roadway, bicycle riders shall use such path and shall not use the roadway except under any of the following circumstances:
(1) When overtaking and passing another bicycle proceeding in the same direction;
(2) When preparing for or making a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway, or avoiding riding in a lane that must turn or diverge to the right; or
(3) When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, pedestrians, animals, or surface hazards that make it unsafe to continue in the bicycle path.