ST9302-CS 940526 (2)Karl W. Hodges
925 Sugarberry Dr.
Coppell Texas 75019-0157
(214) 393-3759
05-26-94A08:06 RCVD
Coppell City Manager
Dear Mr
I apologize for being late with my suggestions regarding the expansion
of Sandy Lake Road, however, I only moved into the area last month. I
would like to suggest that you widen the road, a lot. Please don't build
a bicycle side path. I am a long time cyclist, and I was the Vice
President of the California Association of Bicycling Organizations
(CABO) I speak only for the safety of cyclists and motorists alike.
Experienced cyclists and municipal Risk Managers decry separate bike
trails (termed class three bike trails in the California trails guide)
since they increase rather than decrease car/ bike type accidents. This
happens because these facilities create new intersections where the path
crosses other existing roads or driveways. These new intersections are
not of the usual "pattern" of expected roadways which makes things worse
for all concerned.
In fact, a/most all of the accidents cyclists have with motorists occur
at intersections (85% overall). As you no doubt are aware, most of these
intersection accidents are a direct result of cyclists violating traffic
law. Of the accidents that do occur from motorists passing cyclists, the
vast majority occur after dark and are the result of inadequate lighting
on the part of' the cyclist, or of drinking on the part of the motorist.
It is unlikely that these separate paths would do much to protect the
lives of cyclists from drinking motorist, or from their own stupidity in
not using adequate lighting. What's more the unusual intersection made
by a bicycle trail is not clearly controlled under state law. It also
isn't clear to users or motorist just who would have right of way at the
intersections.
Building separate bicycle facilities may increase the number of legal
battles for the city of Coppell as expert witnesses from around the US
are ready to testify in favor of those injured or killed because of
their use.
My own concern is that motorists seem to see the bicycle trail as
evidence that cars and bikes can not coexist. I have coexisted without
incident with motorists all my life, but I have discovered that
motorists often become hostile when they are aware of bicycle facilities
that I might have taken instead of the road. Statistics prove that
cyclists are safest when they act just as motorists do. Why is it that
this is yet another case the old story that what is good for the goose
is good for the gander? Because motorists know what to expect if the
cyclist acts likes a motorist, and expecting is an important part of
perception itself.
I heartily recommend that you widen Sandy Lake Road to include as many
car lanes as needed plus a wide shoulder to aid motorists in passing
cyclists. Wide shoulders are a safety feature for motorists as well as
for cyclists.
If you stripe a separate lane for cyclists you will once again encourage
the prejudice that cars and bikes cannot share the road safely. Still
should this be your choice, please allow me to introduce you to the
guidelines recommended in the California "Blue Book" that can reduce the
amount of conflict that occurs between right turning motorists, and
cyclists who intend to cross the intersection.
If you have any questions regarding these recommendations, or if you
would like to see the statistics mentioned please feel free to call me.
In any case I would like to be informed of the actions you will be
taking.
Sincerely
Karl W. Hodges
(214) 393-3759