Judge Dismisses Bicycle Lane Lawsuit

It turns out not all drivers want to see bicyclists outside of traffic lanes. The "Seniors for Safety" and "Neighbors for Better Bike Lanes" sued the New York DOT trying to get a judge to "annul" the DOT's decision to implement a two way parking separated bike lane.  One of the allegations was that the DOT failed to consider the concerns of the community and appropriateness of the bike lane and failed to consider less obtrusive alternatives. The lawsuit alleges the DOT's justification of the bicycle lane as a "traffic calming measure" is an oxymoron.

The lawsuit was dismissed based on a determination that the Seniors for Safety and Neighbors for Better Bike Lanes waited too long to file it-missed the s.o.l. Here is a copy of the lengthy complaint trying to get rid of the bicycle lane.   It appears members of the community were upset about the design of the lane and they alleged the bicycle lane was dangerous for various reasons.

Similarly, in Memphis Tennessee, there is ongoing disagreement over dedicated bicycle lanes with some business owners objecting because the bike lanes will limit motor vehicle traffic down from four to two lanes.

Wisconsin has several bicycle lane related laws.  For example, drivers of motor vehicles may not drive upon a bicycle lane or way except for enumerated reasons and then only after yielding to bicyclists. 

346.94 (12) Driving on bicycle lane or bicycle way. No operator of a motor vehicle may drive upon a bicycle lane or bicycle way except to enter a driveway, to merge into a bicycle lane before turning at an intersection, or to enter or leave a parking space located adjacent to the bicycle lane or bicycle way. Persons operating a motor vehicle upon a bicycle lane or bicycle way shall yield the right-of-way to all bicycles and electric personal assistive mobility devices within the bicycle lane or bicycle way.

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