Corpus Christi Cyclists Pushing for "Safe Passing" Ordinance

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Story Created: Apr 27, 2010 at 6:23 PM CDT

Story Updated: Apr 27, 2010 at 6:26 PM CDT

April 27, 2010

CORPUS CHRISTI - -

 It's something local cycling groups having been pushing for since late last year. They've collected hundreds of signatures in a petition. Recently the proposal was presented it to the Corpus Christi City Council. At first the Corpus Christi Cycling Club was pushing for a six foot passing zone which is already in place in many cities like Austin. However, after having trouble getting an ordinance passed, they're now pushing for a three foot wide lane. They want the city to widen all bike lanes and make it a crime for cars to park or veer into that area. This is especially important in areas like Ocean Drive where an accident nearly killed one cyclist last year. The cyclists groups say this would make the roads safer for runners, joggers and pedestrians as well. Avid cyclist Eric Esparza said, "It is very dangerous. If anyone every goes down Ocean Drive, they'll see there's a white line on each side for cyclists. Some time there are cars parked in the lanes. Where are they going to go, in the open lane for cars." Cyclists believe expanding the lane and cracking down on motorists who cross the line will end up saving lives. The big question if passed is how to enforce the law.

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LT said on Thursday, Apr 29 at 6:19 AM

Ok now, for the sake of honest discussion...How many people have been killed in corpus in a motor vehicle vs. bicycle accident and over what period. I'm not talking about the little kids that are riding all over the roads and streets. Just what are the stats please. See I'm being nice.

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To Ann said on Wednesday, Apr 28 at 10:49 PM

Giddy up go bike. The sooner the better !!!!

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Cyclist Have Rights TOO! said on Wednesday, Apr 28 at 8:13 PM

We can all co-exist if we all just pay attention. I for one will share the road with the cyclist. They too have the right to ride their bicycles just as a motorist does. People, seriously, share the road!!!

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Ann to Lt said on Wednesday, Apr 28 at 5:40 PM

Why is everyone so worried about bikes sharing the road? It's really not that complicated. Wait I forgot this is the same place that won't stop for a pedestrian in a cross walk. Don't worry I'm counting the day untill I can go back to my bike friendly state and clean streets without pot holes every five feet.

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LT said on Wednesday, Apr 28 at 5:27 PM

And for the sake of self preservation.....Last week a 17 yr old girl, ran over and killed a motorcycle rider. He had all the right in the world to be there, BUT HE IS STILL DEAD. All the candyas$ laws want help the dead ones will it.

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LT 2 Ann said on Wednesday, Apr 28 at 5:22 PM

For record, my truck weighs 10,200, not 3,500.....with dual wheels that stick way out. If you happened to pull out or something it would be nothing but a little bump and I may not even know it if it happens....So please please for everyones sake.....DON'T PLAY IN THE TRAFFIC.

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gram said on Wednesday, Apr 28 at 3:47 PM

the bike lane is used for a lot of different people, am in power wheelchair- and believe me some of the sidewalks and nonsidewalks are either so messed up or are nonexsisting one is some times at the mercy and consideration of others. we all know the bigger the vehical the more room is needed and more damage can result but believe me its not just the bike paths it is also the sidewalks in the city, in the subdivision where people park blocking the paths cause concern. yes i do take a bus but it requires me to go 1 1/2 miles to get to the stop. i do appreciate the drivers who do understand some of the problems, and try their best to give us the chance despite them, to allow us to use what we need to complete what ever we set out to do as safe as possible. just take a look at ayers..see the path that for the most part only those on foot can use. thanks for lending your ear oops your eye!!!

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Ann said on Wednesday, Apr 28 at 12:53 PM

Ignorant people always yell the loudest and make the biggest mess. By the way cyclest do pay taxes on the cars they own they just choose not to drive them everyday. So they have every right to use the roads as often as want.Some people need to take those 3500lb trucks out of their butts it's making them overly aggresive.

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Hey Ann said on Wednesday, Apr 28 at 11:45 AM

Stick it up your bicycle seat. You can go back to your bike friendly states or get the hell out of the way. A 3500 lb. 4 wheeler has the right of way over your 2 wheel hazard !!

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Ann said on Wednesday, Apr 28 at 9:31 AM

I have lived in 4 states, and 7 cities, and Corpus by far is the least bike friendly and the most unhealthy. We like the diversity of Corpus the people for the most part are friendly,but please keep in mind the safety of others that share your space. Bikers can't ride close to the sidewalk because of all the trash that everyone throws out of their windows. Please remember the world does not revolve around you. Clean up after yourself and share the rode with your niebhors.

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Anonymous said on Wednesday, Apr 28 at 8:44 AM

D.....do you want a little cheese with that whine...

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joe public said on Wednesday, Apr 28 at 8:43 AM

and hell yes they should also register and pay thier share of 'sharing' the roadway..and while they are at it,get those over priced 10 speeds safety inspected too.all other vehicles that use the road have to,so why not a bike? and what about insurance? if one of these idiots illegally changes lanes or runs a stop sign,or bumps my car as they get thier shwinn of that suburban,shouldnt they have insurance? I mean you obviously can afford to buy the latest in cycle fashion,did you remember to get insurance? if the city needs a little extra money,then call ccpd and have write tickets for all the law breakers riding down saratoga sunday morning,no insurance,no registration,to reflectors or lights,no signaling,riding in the roadway NOT the extreme right like LAW states..this is something that I will most definatley NOT vote for but against.and will urge any and all to also vote against.there are much more important things to spend that money on instead of a bike lane

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D said on Wednesday, Apr 28 at 8:33 AM

Thanks for making yourself look foolish and immature. Your posts are exactly what we need to push this measure through. For the others mentally challenged, IT'S AN EXISTING BIKE LANE. ITS ALREADY THERE. THERE ARE CARS PARKED ON IT DAILY. If you didn't know it was a bike lane than you are NOT smarter than a fifth grader. The deaths and injuries have not been the fault of the cyclist in the motor vehicle lane. These people have been struck by DRIVERS IN THE BIKE LANE.

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LT said on Wednesday, Apr 28 at 6:46 AM

I noticed that your petition to City Council stated that this law will help protect pedestrians and joggers too. Don't forget if a pedestrian or jogger is in your bike lane, they will be going against traffic flow and you will have to stop and yield to the peds. Also if you leave your designated lane and enter the traffic lane, YOU have to yield to the traffic flow prior to entering the lane of traffic. This works both ways.

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LT to D and other cyclists said on Wednesday, Apr 28 at 6:34 AM

You want your cake and eat it too..You say you have the same right to be on the road as any vehicle...then you have to abide by the same traffic laws....NO IMPEDING TRAFFIC, NO PASSING ON RIGHT...STAY OUT OF THAT RIGHT TURN ONLY LANE UNLESS YOUR GOING TO TURN RIGHT....COMPLETE STOPS AT TRAFFIC DEVICES...GET SOME LIABILITY INSURANCE TO COVER THE COST OF DAMAGE TO MY TRUCK YOU HAVE CAUSED BY BREAKING VEHICLE LAWS...LIKE GETTING YOUR BLOOD OFF MY PAINT AND YOUR BODY PARTS OUT FROM UNDER MY TRUCK....THEY WILL STINK AFTER A FEW DAYS....MAYBE A CYCLIST LICENSE IS NOW IN ORDER, COMPLETE WITH CYCLIST TRAINING COURSES, TESTS FOR KNOWLEDGE OF TRAFFIC LAWS. Most important, is to make sure you have plenty of life insurance before you take on this playing in traffic thing you want to do, so that your spouse and kids can continue to eat and have a house to live in. Your actions to play in traffic doesn't just affect you.....I will have all that paper work to fill out.

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rg said on Wednesday, Apr 28 at 4:25 AM

dont even give them a 3 ft. lane make them ride on the sidewalk, next theyll try to get a whole lane to themselves

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rooster said on Tuesday, Apr 27 at 11:51 PM

ok cyclist want to share the road fine then they should be taxed as well. Register your bikes at the court house and pay the tax and we'll get you a lane on the road.

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D said on Tuesday, Apr 27 at 11:30 PM

Chencho if you ever rode a bicycle on the Ocean Drive bike path you would know the reason why cyclists ride closer to the white line and not the curb.

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IATIA said on Tuesday, Apr 27 at 11:25 PM

Cyclists have all the rights and the duties that apply to drivers of vehicles.

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Lee Stevens said on Tuesday, Apr 27 at 11:21 PM

I ride we need clear North South paths around and under the malls.We need clear clean unobstructed pathways all the way to the beach.Bike riders have just as much right to the road as you car drivers.Take your road rage out somewhere else ,its chicken )*! to take it out on bikers. We may be getting exercise,or want to stop feeding money to the oil cartels that are killing the troops,or trying to make the environment a little better for everyone.We are at or past the 50% of remaining oil reserves with no substitute for jet fuel. We have a 30 day reserve.I am not asking you to stop driving but what I am saying is you can be a little nicer to those who may not think its such a smart idea.

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chencho said on Tuesday, Apr 27 at 11:08 PM

i hate those stupids cyclist that instead of getting towards the edge of the side walk guess what no they have to ride closer to the road and they dont want accidents to happen

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Stay golden Ponyboy said on Tuesday, Apr 27 at 10:59 PM

I've always been pro-bicyclist; however, the group that meets and rides locally has no regard for traffic laws. Come on guys single file it!

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D said on Tuesday, Apr 27 at 9:52 PM

Yeah, drive more and exercise less. What a brilliant idea.

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BFD said on Tuesday, Apr 27 at 9:47 PM

Fix the pot holes and repave the cra-ppy streets. That is more important than bicycle paths. Ride your bike in the driveway !!

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D said on Tuesday, Apr 27 at 8:12 PM

Ever heard of Vehicular Manslaughter or Vehicular Assault? It's people like yourself who have no regard for human life. Were talking about bike lanes, not bikes riding on the freeway. Get a clue.

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LT said on Tuesday, Apr 27 at 7:34 PM

I propose this law....lets give the cyclists a 4 foot lane that vehicles cannot cross over into, BUT IF YOU GET THAT LITTLE BICYCLE IN MY LANE, YOUR OPEN GAME...IS IT A DEAL.

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LT said on Tuesday, Apr 27 at 7:32 PM

The cyclists are creating the dangers for themselves. Bicycle vs. Truck, guess who wins even if someone is wrong....you lose.

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