 | Paul Zamorano is an eight-year veteran of the Wichita Police Department. He has worked as a beat officer, field training officer, SCAT officer, and is currently the Community Policing Beat Coordinator for the 15 beat in Patrol West. He is the recipient of two Bronze Wreaths of Merit, a prestigious award given by the Police Department. He can be reached at 337-9400. |
Wichita Police Department
2004-12-01 09:19:00
Who has right of way?
: I enjoy taking walks in my N.E. neighborhood in cool weather. I see other neighbors taking walks as well. The sidewalks however, are used by people riding bicycles and pedestrians. I am always stepping on the grass to let the bicycles pass me by. Who has the right of way? If pedestrians have the right of way what can we do to educate people on bicycles that they need to yield to us. Secondly they should let us know as they approach with some sort of statement or bike bell. They pass me without any warning and startle me. It can be unnerving. Thanks!
ANSWER: Pedestrian and bicycle safety is an issue that affects all of us. Whether it's a stroll or ride around the corner, to a friend's house or work, or simply as exercise to clear the mind after a long day indoors - people love to walk and ride. Walking and bicycling is not just an exercise, it affects our health, it's good for the environment, and it improves our quality of life.The Wichita Police Department would like to remind everyone of the applicable City of Wichita Ordinances. City Code 11.48.160 (Bicycles and human-powered vehicles on sidewalks) which states:(a) "A person operating a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian."An audible signal, which would show courtesy from the bicyclist to the pedestrian walking on the sidewalk could be something simple as saying, "Passing on the left," or "Passing on the right." The bicyclist would pass the pedestrian on the left side of the sidewalk or right side of the sidewalk. If the bicyclist had a bell or horn, activating it far enough back from the pedestrian so that it didn't frighten him or her would show courtesy also. (b) "A person operating a vehicle by human power upon and along a sidewalk across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, shall have all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances."(c) "No bicycle shall be ridden upon sidewalks in the central business district except in designated areas."The central business district is the area bounded by the north line of Central, south line of Douglas, east line of Topeka, and west line of Waco. (d) "Subsections (a) and (c) of this section shall not apply to members of the Wichita Police Department in and during the performance of their lawful duties." (Ord. No. 42-489 (1) )The Wichita Police Department routinely conducts bicycle clinics to educate citizens, primarily children, on the rules of the road, or in this case the sidewalks. To find out more information on bicycle clinics please call 268-4101.
