Bicyclist Urges Yardley To Promote Safety Measures

YARDLEY, PA —Brian Wagner had a quiz for members of the Yardley Borough Council.

"How many feet of space should there be between a vehicle and a bicyclist?" Wagner asked at the council's meeting earlier this month.

"Four," Councilman David Appelbaum responded.

While that was the right answer in the Borough Hall chambers, it hasn't been correct when Wagner has been out in the streets cycling as he experienced late last month.

Wagner, an avid cyclist, addressed council members at its May 2 meeting regarding whether some safety measures could be put in place to remind motorists of the importance of providing cyclists some space on the roads they share with drivers.

Wagner said he has been cycling to Patterson Farm in Lower Makefield Township to enjoy the sunsets. On April 22, the distance rider was taking another 40-mile trek when he was met by an "aggressive driver who tried to pass me illegally. We collided."

Before moving to the area, Wagner spent 12 years as a bike advocate for Hoboken, N..J, helping to add bike lanes, bike repair stations, and bike education programs.

Wagner understands that borough streets are too narrow for bicycle lanes. He also knows that they fall under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

He also quizzed council members on whether they drive and also bike and most raised their hands.

Wagner said that four feet basically amounts to 33 inches, which is plenty of space for an experienced cyclist to maneuver with motorists.

He asked the council if there could be ways to improve safety for cyclists.

Wagner asked if any signs could be placed strategically in the borough alerting motorists that cyclists might be sharing the roadway. He said similar signs can be found in Frenchtown, New Hope, and the Calhoun Bridge.

He said he regularly takes Yardley-Morrisville Road heading toward Wrightstown, and has experienced some close calls. But collisions are another thing.

He stressed whether the borough could use its social media platforms and website to spread the message about cyclist safety.

"It would be nice to have content that reminds people what the rules of the road are," he said. "We are considered motor vehicles. There should be things that you can do that are low impact."

Wagner said that cyclists usually stay in the roadway when there are dangers on the curb and also avoid sidewalks and the Delaware Canal Towpath since there are obstacles such as walkers, runners, and strollers.

"Thank you for stating a problem and bringing us three actionable bite-size solutions," Council President Caroline Thompson told Wagner.

The Yardley Police Department has posted reminders on its Facebook page from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation that motorists must allow at least 4 feet of space between their vehicle and a bicyclist when on the road.