bikers

to the entire Non-Motorized Transportation Master Plan for Modesto:

http://www.modestogov.com/prnd/nmmp/default.asp

Do you think Modesto should be spending money on expanding its bikeways? Or is doing so a waste of time, energy and cash?

Although I have never been much of a biker (at least since I got a car) the thought of riding bikes around Modesto scares me. There aren't a lot of bike lanes and people literally take their lives in their hands when they decide to ride their bikes around town at this point.

Although there are a few nice bike routes around town, I am not sure they have made it easy enough for people to use and definitely not a safe alternative to cars. When I say easy enough what I mean is that the idea needs to be promoted better and there needs to be more choice.

That to me is the real issue. I should be able to ride my bike to work if I want, but right now I don't see it as an option and that I think is something that needs to be addressed.

You are right, Chris, the bike routes are not that clearly marked in Modesto.

Here is a pdf map of the current bike routes in town.

As for more choice of routes, Modesto has its money issues and that has no doubt been a huge contributor as to why the bulk of the proposed bikeway improvements under the Non-Motorized... Plan have not been tackled or completed. Still, money issues don't replace the actual need for safer roads to bike on, but if most people car it everywhere they are most likely oblivious to the peril pedal pushers face everytime they leave point a to get to point b.

And yes, you should be able to ride your bike to work or to any place else for that matter. And people actually do, a lot, and they do "take their lives in their hands" but a lot of folks are probably like you, Chris, scared to, and rightfully so.

How can we fix this?

For the last few months, I've ridden my bike daily to work and I've never felt I was risking my life. I avoid the busiest streets and use the sidewalk when necessary. A few people at my work are also bike commuters.

There are great bike paths in town but they are under used. Last year, I used to like following the green bike path signs all over town. It was a great way to explore new neighborhoods. I also liked the Hetch Hetchy path which starts around Rumble and 99 and goes across town almost to McHenry.

is a ticketable offense in Modesto.

No person shall propel a bicycle within any sidewalk area in any business district as defined by Section 235 of the Vehicle Code of the State of California. (Modesto Municipal Code 3-2.807)

A bicycle which is licensed pursuant to this chapter may be operated upon all the streets, alleys and public ways of the city, except that no bicycle shall be operated on the sidewalk area in any business district as defined in the California Vehicle Code. (Modesto Municipal Code 3-3.12)

The fine is $160.00.

Thanks for letting me know. :)

I'm a bike rider that often turns to the sidewalk and look forward to the day that I'm ticketed for doing so. I can tell that officer if he/she wants to make the quota on tickets given then all he or she has to do is wait for me everyday on that spot and write that ticket again. There are parts of Modesto where it is absolutely not safe to ride on the street. Just doing so would be in jeopardy of breaking the law of attempted suicide.

Demand a trial by jury

As Modesto is growing there should be more bicycle trails and routes within the city and general Stanislaus county area.

Bicycle riding is not only good for the enviornment but also very good exercise!