RESOLUTION No. __________, Series 2014
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A RESOLUTION RELATING TO BICYCLIST AND MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC SIGNAGE ON RIVER ROAD.
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Sponsored By: SPONSORSHIP WITHDRAWN
WHEREAS, River Road, which is located within the boundaries of Louisville Metro, is a very popular roadway that is used by bicyclists and motorists alike; and
WHEREAS, the lack of availability of bike lanes or road shoulders for bicyclists to utilize because of the narrow travel lanes that River Road possesses, and the almost total existence of single and double yellow center lines prohibiting passing; and
WHEREAS, Louisville Metro Government, by and through its Metro Public Works Department, has designated a “Bicycles May Use the Full Lane” rule on River Road in which bicyclists may use a full road lane when riding on River Road,; and
WHEREAS, Louisville Metro Public Works, in designating a “Bicycles May Use the Full Lane” rule on River Road, has installed road signs on River Road that indicate that bicyclists may use a full road lane when riding on River Road; and
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Transportation has designated River Road as a primary construction route for over 60 construction trucks and equipment to utilize River Road to deliver and pick-up necessary construction materials for the East End bridge construction project, in which said trucks operate at speeds of up to thirty-five (35) miles per hour all day long; and
WHEREAS, River Road only possesses eleven (11) foot wide lanes for vehicle traffic, and many motor vehicles, construction trucks and bicyclists cannot safely operate together on the same road , especially when said trucks operate at speeds of up to thirty-five (35) miles per hour, therefore causing a significant traffic and safety hazard for bicyclists and motorists; and
WHEREAS, motorists and bicyclists should do everything reasonable to accommodate the other. The signs may encourage more bicycle use but encouraging more biking on the corridor right now is inappropriate since it is a major construction thoroughfare; and
WHEREAS, Louisville Metro Government finds it necessary that in order to ensure the safety of bicyclists and motorists operating on River Road, that the signs indicating designated use on this street shall be removed until the East End Bridge construction is complete;
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT (THE COUNCIL) AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: The Louisville Metro Council, by this Resolution, finds that River Road is too narrow to permit the safe operation of bicyclists, motor vehicles and a large volume of construction trucks.
SECTION II: The Louisville Metro Council, by this Resolution, requests the Metro Public Works Department be required to remove the signs that signify that “Bicycles May Use the Full Lane” , in order to safely accommodate all traffic that may utilize River Road until the East End Bridge construction is complete.
SECTION III: This Resolution shall take effect upon its passage and approval.
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_______________________________ H. Stephen Ott Metro Council Clerk |
_____________________________ Jim King President of the Council |
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_______________________________ Greg Fischer Mayor |
_____________________________ Approval Date |
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
Michael J. O’Connell
Jefferson County Attorney
BY: ____________________________
ResolutionConcerningBicycleOperationonRiverRoad 2013.doc kbb 11.21.2013