Tag: Bike

Modesto considers fines up to $5,000 for reckless bike riding

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Police officer briefing mountain bikers on a forest road

The Modesto City Council is moving forward with a proposed crackdown on reckless bicycle and e-bike riding, including fines of up to $5,000 and the possible impoundment of bikes for up to 30 days. Council members waived the ordinance’s first reading, advancing the proposal that targets dangerous stunts on public streets, groups of riders blocking traffic and street takeovers.

“We have a major problem in this town of bicyclists and e-bikers,” one resident told the council. Chris Ricci also urged city leaders to prioritize traffic safety. “Traffic safety needs to be a real priority right now,” Ricci said. Under the proposal, fines would increase with repeat violations:

  • First offense: $500
  • Second offense: $2,500
  • Third or subsequent offense: $5,000

Some residents questioned whether minors should face penalties immediately, particularly for violations that do not involve street takeovers. “I ask if a first non-takeover offense by a minor could start with a warning and a course instead,” one resident said. The proposed ordinance would allow police to require safety courses for minors. Officers could also impound bicycles for up to 30 days when necessary to prevent further dangerous riding or protect public safety.

Parents could face fines of up to $2,000 per minor if they assist, authorize or permit their children to violate the proposed rules. Police officials told the council that street takeovers have involved adults as well as younger riders. “We’ve had adults out there!” the police chief said. The proposal also includes a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit on city parks and trails, raising questions about how officers would enforce the restriction. One councilwoman questioned how police would identify and address riders who exceed the proposed limit.

Mayor Sue Zwahlen said the city wants residents to continue using its outdoor spaces. “We want people to walk and use our trails to bike. That’s what we want,” Zwahlen said. The proposal leaves questions about how parental responsibility would be determined. While it identifies circumstances in which parents could be fined, it does not specify exactly what police would need to prove to hold a parent responsible. The council’s action advances the ordinance, but it still requires final adoption before becoming law. If approved, the rules would take effect 30 days after the final vote.

Source: Modesto considers fines up to $5,000 for reckless bike riding – CBS Sacramento

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.”
Matthew 28:5-6

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Maryland invests $11 million to expand bike, pedestrian and trail infrastructure

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Wooden footbridge crossing a stream on a forest trail

Maryland is investing more than $11 million in grants to expand bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure across the state. The Maryland Department of Transportation says the funding will support nearly 25 projects aimed at improving safety and accessibility. The projects include Safe Routes to School improvements, bikeway connections and trail upgrades. Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County and Frederick County are among the areas that will see improvements.

MDOT says the goal is to improve safety, boost economic development and create a more connected and accessible transportation system across Maryland. “With these newly funded bicycle, pedestrian and trail projects, Marylanders will have more options to commute, exercise and get to school safely and efficiently,” Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson said. “Creating new paths and linking others together are key components of Maryland’s transportation future, and this investment shows our dedication to expanding our statewide trail network, enhancing sustainability and providing those who walk, bike and roll with greater choices.”

The Fiscal Year 2027 grants include $9.3 million in federal funding for 12 projects through the Transportation Alternatives Program and Recreational Trails Program, along with $2 million in state funding for 12 projects through MDOT’s Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program.

Recreational Trails Program

The state is providing $2.8 million through the Recreational Trails Program for six projects, including:

  • Trail bridge replacements in state forests in Allegany and Garrett counties.
  • Boardwalk and trail rehabilitation in Loch Lynn Heights in Garrett County, as well as Kent and Montgomery counties.
  • New single-track trails at Rocky Gap State Park in Allegany County.

Transportation Alternatives Program

The state is providing $6.5 million through the Transportation Alternatives Program for six projects, including:

  • Safe Routes to School infrastructure improvements in Williamsport and Smithsburg in Washington County.
  • Repair and rehabilitation of a 20-mile stretch of the C&O Canal towpath in Montgomery and Washington counties.
  • New active transportation facilities in Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County and Montgomery County.

Bikeways grants

This year’s $2 million in Bikeways grants includes:

  • Seven design projects in Brunswick, Catonsville, Chestertown, Laurel, North East, Port Deposit and Snow Hill. The projects will improve access to parks, schools, trails, senior living communities, historic main streets and commercial districts.
  • Three minor retrofit projects in Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County and Montgomery County. The projects will add wayfinding from bike paths to major destinations, improve safety through low-cost enhancements and expand shared micromobility.
  • Two construction projects in Edmonston and La Plata. The projects will fill missing trail connections and extend a new shared-use path.

Source: Maryland invests $11 million to expand bike, pedestrian and trail infrastructure – CBS Baltimore

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
Matthew 28:5-6

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