Filtering

Exciting news: after years of stagnation in the subject matter field, our neighboring state of Utah has legalized “filtering” (also known as “lane splitting”). It is limited to filtering through traffic stopped at lights/intersections, or going below 15 miles an hour, and only where there are multiple lanes going in the same direction.

It isn’t the “lane splitting” rule that exists in California, but supposed to significantly reduce the risk of getting rear ended by an automobile driver, texting or applying makeup (e.g.), while stopped. What would result in a minor fender bender for a stopped car, can well cost a motorcyclist her/his life.

So, how about an initiative to get a similar law like this passed in Colorado? Please contact me, if you would like to help, or know how to approach this.

Dedicated Motorcycle Parking

With the warmer weather returning (hopefully) more reliably, we are all excited to get back on our bikes, unless you are one of the “crazy ones” like me (who only gets deterred by snow on the ground).

It is becoming evermore evident that Denver is lacking something (in quantities) that many cities have already embraced: Dedicated motorcycle parking.

We are tolerated in some areas, but for the most part, not considered an important, and viable, alternate commuter option. Bicycle and “motorized bicycles” (mostly 50 cc scooters) have many dedicated parking areas, and cars have many dedicated parking areas (meters), which in all fairness, we are also allowed to use. But, if you have ever (like me) parked your scooter or motorcycle in a parallel parking spot only to see the driver parked in front of you back into your beloved bike, knock it over, and damage it to the tune of thousands of dollars, you know the conundrum: Park there (legally) and risk oversight and damage, or park in underutilized bicycle parking areas (illegally), and risk tickets (to the tune of $25).

I have engaged in a long e-mail exchange with Denver Public Works Traffic & Mobility on the subject matter, but so far to no avail. I would like to organize a stronger initiative and am happy for any suggestions. Rubber side down!