Strict law protects cyclists
Dunwoody City Council passed its “Vulnerable Road Users” law Nov. 18 which, according to Dunwoody City Council Member Tom Lambert, is Georgia’s strictest cyclist protection law.
The ordinance protects cyclists, pedestrians, persons engaged in work on a roadway, emergency service employees, skateboarders, motorcyclists and scooter riders.
According to the city of Dunwoody’s website, the ordinance that was spearheaded by Lambert is based on a similar ordinance in Houston, Texas, that protects cyclists from dangers posed by vehicles.
According to the ordinances, vehicles must be at least three feet away from vulnerable road users when passing, must not throw items at vulnerable road users or make unsafe turns in front of vulnerable road users. According to the ordinance, such turns could be categorized as “intimidation or harassment.”
The ordinance also allows vehicles to drive in oncoming traffic lanes to pass vulnerable road users, when it is safe to do so and such lanes are clear. If it cannot pass safely, a vehicle must stay behind the vulnerable road user.
According to the ordinance, cyclists must wear reflective clothing at night and pedestrians are to walk on crosswalks and sidewalks.
Violators of the law could face a $1,000 fine, suspended driver’s license or six months in jail or probation. A driver safety and pedestrian awareness class can be completed to reduce fines for violators.
The ordinance passed in a 6-1 vote, with Dunwoody City Council Member Terry Nall being the opposing vote.
The Vulnerable Road Users law is the most recent effort to make Dunwoody more pedestrian friendly. In November, Dunwoody Public Works added two pedestrian refuge islands after installing additional sidewalks to the city.
Refuge islands allow pedestrians to cross travel lanes one at a time and provide increased visibility of the crossing. They also reduce the perceived roadway width, which can help lower speeds.
The ordinance will be effective May 1, 2020. Dunwoody officials suggested the delayed enforcement date to provide time for an education process prior to implementation.
