PPD and Downtown Inc. Emphasize Pedestrian Safety

For Immediate Release:

Tuesday, June 17, 2014 

For more information, please contact:

Kristine Hurley, Office Manager

Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.

(413) 443-6501

khurley@downtownpittsfield.com

 

DOWNTOWN SIDEWALK SAFETY

Reminder about bicycle, skateboard, rollerblade and scooter laws as summer approaches 

PITTSFIELD, MA – The Pittsfield Police Department and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. want to remind residents and visitors that bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades and scooters are prohibited from being ridden on sidewalks in the downtown business district according to the City of Pittsfield’s City Code Chapter 13. New sidewalk graphics and signage are being installed to support the ordinance. 

“We want to remind motorists to be watchful of bicyclists as riding weather improves and to remind bicyclists of their responsibilities when it comes to obeying the ‘rules of the road’. This ordinance was adopted to keep people safe in the downtown area, “ Pittsfield Police Chief Michael Wynn said.  

Bicyclists are required to obey all of the same traffic laws as motorists. This includes stopping at stop signs and obeying all other traffic control devices. Bicyclists are also required to ride as far to the right side of the right lane of travel as is safe (with the flow of traffic, not against it), except when preparing to make a turn or overtaking other traffic. Riders are also required to ride in a single file on any roadway maintained for vehicular use. Anyone feeling unsafe while riding on the road with traffic is encouraged to dismount and walk their bicycle, skateboard, or scooter on the sidewalk throughout the downtown business district. A person ten years-old and younger may ride on the sidewalk in downtown. All riders must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. 

Kristine Hurley of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. said, “We encourage the community to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle. With the designation of our 2-Mile Walking Loop in downtown; shoppers and diners to our retailers and restaurants; visitors to our cultural venues; and downtown employees, we have several thousands of pedestrians walking on the sidewalks each week, so it’s important that we put safety first. Additionally, a bike lane has been clearly designated in the recent streetscape improvements.” 

Violations of any provision of this City Code are an infraction and can lead to a monetary fine. The first offense is $25, the second offense is $50, and the third and each subsequent offense is $300. The City Code Chapter 13, Section XI regarding Bicycles, Skateboards, Rollerblades and Scooters can be printed from the City of Pittsfield website – www.cityofpittsfield.org, Government menu, Charter and City Code. 

About Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.: Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. fosters the on-going growth and vitality of downtown through vision, leadership and advocacy and to position downtown as the creative and business hub of the Berkshires for the benefit of all. Visit us at www.downtownpittsfield.com. 

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