Dear Eleanore Turkington:
Several weeks ago, Gripe Vine had a story in it describing a group of kids on bikes carelessly riding in and out of cars and blocking traffic on West Haven streets. Activity like this could really cause fright and tragedy on a public road.
You wrote in your Gripe Vine column that you were going to investigate this unsafe practice. I may have missed the edition with updated information on West Haven youngsters breaking bicycle laws. Just what are the bike laws in Connecticut? Can you enlighten your readers?
Safety Conscious
Dear Safety Conscious:
Thank you for calling attention to the importance of following bicycle safety regulations.
Here is what I discovered about Connecticut State Bicycle Laws: Children under the age of 16 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle; Parents may not authorize their children to violate statutes related to bicycle travel. In other words, by state law, children under 16 must wear a helmet while riding a bicycle whether their parents them to or not.
During nighttime and times of low visibility, bicyclists must utilize a front light from 500 feet, a rear red reflector or light visible from 600 feet and reflective material on the bike visible from 600 feet on each side.
Bicyclists traveling on roadways have the same rights and responsibilities as for motorists.
Bicyclists must stop at red lights.
Bicyclists must make a full stop at stop signs.
Bicyclists cannot ride on the right side of the road into oncoming traffic.
Bicyclists must usehand or mechanical signals to communicate with other travelers, but signals need not be given continuously.
Connecticut State law allows cyclist to ride two abreast but no more than two abreast.
Motorists must allow a minimum of 3 feet of separation when passing a bicycle.
Motorists must provide a minimum of 3 feet of passing area around a cyclist when emerging from driveways and alleys.
Bicyclists can ride on sidewalks and in crosswalks but when doing so have the same responsibilities and rights as pedestrian. For example, they need to wait for the proper cross walk signal.
POST THIS INFORMATION ON A LEVEL OF CLEAR VIEW FOR THOSE BICYCLE RIDERS UNDER 16, PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE AWARE OF BICYCLE CONNECTICUT STATE LAWS.
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
I have written Gripe Vine complaining of the truck traffic (A No Thru Truck) area, but there are still trucks coming through Voss Road. I haven’t seen any police presence yet.
RD
Dear RD:
I have been working with the Mayor’s Administrative Assistant, Louis Esposito on your complaint. Keep reading Gripe Vine. I will get a solution!
You can submit your gripes, comments and issues to gripevine4wh@aol.com. Please include your name, address and phone number, kept in strict confidentiality with me. If you prefer, you can mail this information to me at Gripe Vine c/o West Haven Voice, 666 Savin Ave. You can also use our online form by clicking here.