Life is better on a bike!

Affirmative Defense Ordinance

100817a5351There’s a new ordinance in town!

An ordinance allowing for a cyclist to have an affirmative defense should they proceed through a red light that fails to recognize them was unanimously passed by the Edmond City Council tonight. This ordinance resulting from my ticket back in May goes into effect in 30 days.

Thanks to the Edmond Bike Committee and local cyclists for working with the City Attorney and others to get this done.

A big victory for local cyclists!

I can’t speak for everyone, but my advocacy efforts on behalf of cyclists with the City of Edmond and the Edmond Bike Committee have been successful both times – back in 2007 to get the 3 foot ordinance adopted and now the affirmative defense ordinance.

Edmond is obviously motivated to be a community that is safe and supportive of bicycling. In addition to the ordinances mentioned above Edmond is in the process of developing and implementing a bicycle master plan, as well as working with private sector partners to build a paved trail around Lake Arcadia.

The future looks brighter for those of us who ride bikes or would ride with better infrastructure and safer roads.

(Updated 9-10-12/10:00pm)

6 Comments

  1. Brian

    Great news! I’m thankful that something good is coming as a result of your ticket.

    Now let’s hope the judge will dismiss your ticket and you will get your $100+ back.

    • Susan

      Thanks, Brian, it is great news! I hope to get the $119 back but if I don’t it’s okay, to be honest I feel now I’ve already won. This ordinance was worth it.

  2. Nathan Lorenz

    That’s fantastic news, great job! Now can you get that here for OKC? 😀

    • Susan

      It is isn’t it – thanks! Hahaha… you can do it… all you gotta do is go through a red light that won’t trigger but it must be right in front of a police officer… 🙂

      Seriously though, I think this could serve as momentum to and certainly make it easier to get a similar ordinance in OKC, Norman and Tulsa – if cycling advocates get behind it.

  3. Mandy O'Neill

    Congratulations!!!

    Now … good luck on getting your ticket dismissed. I hope this win helps convince the judge to dismiss.

    • Susan

      Thank you, Mandy – I hope so too!