Posts Tagged ‘bicycle license’

Bike Riders United on WDET

Thursday, July 31st, 2008

In case you missed it yesteday, Ron and Tawanna from Bike Riders United joined Craig Fahle on WDET’s Detroit Today. An MP3 of the show is on-line and the bike segment begins at the midpoint.

Recently, a group of cyclist/activist joined together to successfully challenge the enforcement of a 44 year old Detroit city ordinance, which would have a $55 fine. For those cyclists who failed to registrar their bikes by August 7, 2008. After testimonies with Detroit City Council and Detroit Board of Police Commissioners, the group was successful in stopping the enactment of the ordinance. They’ve also gained assurance and formed a co-operant effort with Detroit City Council to create a new ordinance which will be drafted by cyclists which is more bikes friendly. Tawanna Simpson and Ron Scott from Detroit Bike Riders United join us. Looking for a bike, or a place to fix yours? The Hub is open . Its Midtown’s new non-profit bike shop and eductation center!

Detroit’s bicycle ordinance repealed

Tuesday, July 29th, 2008

As reported today by the Detroit News:

The Detroit City Council voted 7-0 Tuesday to repeal a controversial ordinance that allows police to issue tickets to people who don’t register their bicycles.

Committee votes to drop bike license fines

Monday, July 28th, 2008

Bike registration law rolls toward repeal

A group bike ride in Detroit

A Back Alley Bikes/Trips for Kids Detroit ride through Downtown

Detroit’s Council’s Public Health and Safety Committee wants to put the brakes on enforcing the bicycle licensing program. During today’s public hearing, the Committee heard many perspectives from the police and public.

Councilwoman Sheila Cockrel motioned for removing all of the current bike licensing language. She wants to meet with the police and stakeholder groups (including cyclists) during the Council’s August recess to develop new bicycle ordinance language that makes sense.

There was perhaps a three dozen cyclists in attendance, most of whom provided public comment in support of the motion. Some cyclists in the audience had already received tickets for riding a bicycle without a license. One cyclist had also received a ticket for not having a bell or horn on their bike — another Detroit ordinance.

Perhaps the best quote of the day was from Bike Riders United’s Ron Scott. Scott invited the police to “Get on the bike with us and ride in the same direction.”

The Committee motion was approved and will be voted on by the entire Council tomorrow.

Media Coverage

Public Hearing to End Detroit Bike License Requirement

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
Detroit, Michigan

Detroit, Michigan

The Detroit City Council’s Public Health and Safety Committee is holding a public hearing to remove the Detroit bike license requirement. That meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 28th at 10:30 AM at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center (Jefferson at Woodward.) Please plan on arriving prior to 10 AM to avoid disturbing the Committee meeting.

We certainly could use some Detroit residents at this hearing to voice their support for this change.

The hope is that Council and Mayor can remove the required licensing prior to their August recess. During that recess we will work with Council and others to look at alternative ordinance language that would still allow police to identify and return stolen bikes without heavy fines for those cyclists who are unlicensed.

The City Council members at yesterday’s Public Health and Safety Committee meeting expressed support for biking in Detroit. Council President Ken Cockrel commented that he rides 3-4 times a week. He rightfully noted that unswept streets with broken glass is one issue he faces during his rides.

Overall it was a great discussion and it certainly seems we are making lemonade from the original lemon.

Police Chief Clarifies Detroit Bike Licensing

Thursday, July 17th, 2008
Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings

Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings

The group Bike Riders United and MTGA attended today’s Detroit Police Commission meeting. Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings clarified the bike license issue. She said the rationale for this is specific to returning stolen property. It was not her intent to have officers write tickets. The police are not looking to enforce the penalty portion of the licensing issue.

The Chief did acknowledge that is was a mistake to not work with community groups, including cyclists prior to issuing the initial press release about the licensing.

She added that she is a cyclist and may join the Bike Riders United “Cycling Awareness” ride scheduled for August 1st.

The next step is to correct work with City Council to make this license ordinance more clear and reasonable while still giving the Police the tools necessary to identify and return stolen property.