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Bike Solon calls for clearer lanes, sharrows and a Bicycle Friendly Community application
Summary
A Ward 3 resident and Bike Solon president urged the council to promote cyclist safety by restoring worn sharrows, continuing education efforts, and considering a League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Community designation; the mayor and council expressed support for trails and education.
Mike Walker, a Ward 3 resident and president of Bike Solon (the local chapter of Bike Cleveland), used public comment to press for clearer road markings and more cycling education during National Bike Month. He cited Ohio law requiring drivers to give cyclists a minimum of three feet when passing and encouraged the city to apply for a Bicycle Friendly Community designation.
"Drivers are required by Ohio law to give cyclists a minimum of 3 feet when passing," Walker said, adding that slowing down to pass may take "an extra 60 to 90 seconds" but can make the difference between people getting home safely. He also told council that sharrows on Aurora Road have worn away and asked the city to repaint them and consider submitting an application to the League of American Bicyclists.
Councilmembers thanked Walker and discussed trail expansion and safety education. The mayor said the city continues to purchase trails and invest in green infrastructure to encourage people "to get on the trails, get away from cars as much as possible," and welcomed Bike Solon’s offer to help with an application.
Next steps: Council took no formal vote on policy changes but acknowledged the request and encouraged staff to consider maintenance and an application process; Bike Solon offered to assist with outreach and the application process.
