FYI - Email sent out from the Sunday Group Ride out of The Bicycle Chain in Apex.
__________________________________________________ _______________

From: The Sunday Ride [mailto:thesundayride@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2009 12:02 PM

Subject: Apex Police Dept

Fellow Cyclists,


To the organizer of The Sunday Ride,

I would appreciate it if you would get the word out to any cyclists you are involved with that the Apex Police Department will be taking enforcement action against any cyclists violating NC vehicle laws pursuant to NC General Statute 20-4.01(49) and Apex Town Code 20-142 RIDING MORE THAN TWO ABREAST.

It is my understanding that Officers Hansen and Arrington have tried to address problems of cyclists and motorists in conflict. This stems from complaints from both sides.

Due to concerns that an avoidable accident is going to occurr, Apex Police Officers have been advised to enforce all motor vehicle laws that apply. We will be using an educational approach as much as possible but will cite riders as necessary.

Cyclists having confrontations with motor vehicles within the town limits are encouraged to report these problems to the Apex Police Department and should include, vehicle description, license plate number, time and location as well as a description of the driver.

More information about cycling laws is available at ncdot.org under the bicycling division.

Thank you for your assistance.

Please feel free to contact me at any time.

Sergeant Mark A Flaugher
Apex Police Department Traffic Safety Unit
205 Saunders Street, Apex, NC 27502
(919)362-8661 W
(919)422-9998 C
(919)387-3056 Fax

Here is the text of three Apex laws about cycling (from http://www.municode.com ), followed by a referenced state law. Note that Apex's ban on cycling more than two abreast lacks the "in a single lane" wording of the state law.

Sec. 20-141. Operating without hands on handlebars.
No person shall operate a bicycle or motorcycle on the public streets without having both hands on the handlebars at all times, except when such operator is giving an arm signal for a turn, stopping or slowing movement.

Sec. 20-142. Riding more than two abreast.
It shall be unlawful for persons operating motorcycles or bicycles on the public streets to travel more than two abreast.
State law references: Similar law as to motorcycles, G.S. 20-146.1.*

Sec. 20-143. Riding bicycles on sidewalk.
No person shall operate a bicycle on the public sidewalks, except when such person is proceeding across such sidewalk at a private driveway or alleyway where such movement is necessary to enter into or from a public street.
Cross references: Similar provisions as to motor vehicles generally, § 20-112.

*N.C.G.S. 20-146.1 Operation of motorcycles.
(a) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This subsection shall not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane.
(b) Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane.

Its nice to see that the motorists have complained enough that theyre doing this. I get to ride around with a target on my back but theyre worried about people riding more than 2 abreast.

Maybe they should start enforcing the distance limit cyclists are supposed to be given when vehicles pass us. Its so easy to get all the information they want when youre busy trying not to get run over. Maybe I should get a DNA sample too.

Traveling more than two abreast doesn't directly increase crash risk (three or
more abreast travel is occuring right now on roads such as NC 55, US 64,
etc.). Crash risk is often directly increased when NC Rules of the Road
are violated, including:
NCGS § 20-150. Limitations on privilege of overtaking and passing.
http://www.humantransport.org/bicycl...ftCaryMemo.htm

Better information is available in NCCBD's critique of DOT's law guide:
http://www.humantransport.org/bicycl...e_critique.pdf

Ditto and +1. I called a couple of weeks ago about a Apex officer passing me riding solo giving about an inch of leadway. They said, "We'll check into it...probably was responding to a call." BS.

Hmmm. Don't drink that Gatorade in Apex. That would be illegal--requiring a single hand from the handlebar. Oh, but you can collapse from heat stroke, that's legal. Who knows whether aerobars constitute handlebars; let's hope so. Yeah, this is some of the stupid backlash I've been reading about in other areas. It's really sad and misinformed.

I think a lot of us have wondered why Apex doesn't do more to embrace the cycling community - it could be a great cycling hub / center. But it's also where I've seen some of the worst road rage directed at cyclists anywhere in the state, and the only place I've ever had someone deliberately try to run me off the road.

I understand why they're trying to enforce this - Vehicle drivers have a tough time passing a tight peloton of 50 cyclists riding 3 -4 abreast and 12 - 13 deep. I really doubt it will be any easier to pass 25 X 2 or 50 X 1 cyclists though.

I just see this causing massive tie ups at traffic lights and stop signs. Usually we all mass and cross. Having to string out a line of cyclists 2 abreast at a traffic light will be a huge hindrance to traffic.

With two bike shops in town one would think... nevermind