As some of you may know by our discussion list or today's Alameda Journal, last week the city council changed the Alameda Municipal Code to ban bicycle riding ..."within or upon any public park, playground or school property in the city"... (See the specific new wording below.) This would include large parks like Washington Park with its many biking and walking paths, Crab Cove and Crown Beach, and neighborhood parks like McKinley and Franklin Parks.
Led by the idea that "people" should not be scootering, skateboarding, or biking in our city parks, the city council voted unanimounsly to ban these modes of transportation, recreation and sport for ALL of our city parks, unless posted. It's a pretty major change. It may be that this was a simple misinterpretation of the effect of the change on the code. Fortunately, such changes need to be heard again in order to become law. The second and final reading will take place on Monday, July 1 at 7:30pm.
Please come to the city council meeting to be heard. We need youth AND adults to express the importance of leaving our parks for recreation and transportation for all. If you can't come then please:
What we are requesting:
The reason why BikeAlameda feels that this is important is because we represent all bicyclinsts. There are a certain portion of bicyclists, who feel safer riding on bike paths and through parks. Those are the places that they learn and gain experience. Plus, there are quit a few bike paths that run through city parks that are considered part of the bike network. As far as we know, there is no known problem that this ban is solving. There are no statistics on complaints for bicyclists riding in parks.
Thanks for getting involved and for your support!
lucy
The proposed municipal code changes:
23-1.3 Riding of Bicycles and Skateboards in Parks, Etc. It shall be unlawful unless otherwise posted for any person to operate or ride a bicycle, or skateboard, propelled wholly or in part by muscular power within or upon any public park, playground, or school property in the City or parking lot, parking structure owned or leased by the City, except that a person may ride a bicycle to and from bicycle racks or lockers provided within any City parking lot or parking structure. The use and operation of skateboards , roller skates, and in-line skates shall be authorized at the Skate Park, at Alameda Point. All persons using, operating, or riding a skateboard, roller skates , or in- line skates at the Skate Park, at Alameda Point, shall wear a helmet , elbow pads, and knee pads at all times.
The current municipal code:
23-1.3 Riding of Bicycles and Skateboards in Parks, Etc. It shall be unlawful when and where posted for any person to operate or ride a bicycle, or skateboard, propelled wholly or in part by muscular power, in or upon any public park, playground or school property in the City.
The use and operation of skateboards, roller skates, and in-line skates shall be authorized at the Skate Park, at Alameda Point. All persons using, operating, or riding a skateboard, roller skates, or in-line skates at the Skate Park, at Alameda Point, shall wear a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads at all times.
posted: Fri, 27 Jun 2008