Biking on Sidewalks

[Eliza_Savage at fws.gov]

Hi Matt,

I think you should continue to encourage your son to bike to school on the 
only safe route he has - i.e., on the sidewalk.  I think the ordinance was 
intended to keep pedestrians safe from fast-moving, inconsiderate 
bicyclists with no thought of children on their bikes and their need to be 
safe.  In short, I encourage you to break to law in this case! 

Also I suggest you write to our city council members, particularly Rob 
Krupicka who has shown lots of interest in alternative transportation 
options in Alexandria.

Eliza



matt at seatryst.com 
Sent by: bsc-bounces+eliza_savage=fws.gov at bicycle.alexandria.va.us
10/15/2008 09:40 AM

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<BSC at bicycle.alexandria.va.us>
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Subject
Biking on Sidewalks






Hi everyone,

This is my first post so sorry if I didn't do this right.

I recently got my 8 year old son started riding his bike to school and he 
is loving it.  Recently I was informed, somewhat rudely, that it is 
illegal to ride bikes on the sidewalks in Alexandria.  I thought this 
can't be right...  not in bike-friendly Alexandria.  However checking the 
Alexandria Municipal Code I find that it is in fact illegal. 

I cannot see my son riding his bike in the street on West Glebe or along 
Mt. Vernon in rush hour traffic.

I checked out an alternate safe route which avoids these streets.  It 
takes about 15 minutes longer and is up and down several large hills.  I'm 
afraid it would turn my son off to riding his bike to school.

Does anyone have any suggestions or has anyone discussed this with 
Alexandria City Officials?

Thanks,
Matt
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