Cyclists reach agreement with Prairie Village police

Maggi Hacker, President of the Johnson County Bicycle Club, has announced the details of an understanding with the Prairie Village Police Department that addresses issues with group rides and the law in that suburb. The agreement is meant to accommodate large group rides while still enforcing traffic laws.  If you participate in one of the group rides that travels through P.V. or Mission Hills, be sure to read this carefully.  Spread the word.

Statement from the Prairie Village Police Department (PDF)

From Maggi Hacker, President, Johnson County Bicycle Club:

WE ARE ALL EXPECTED TO BE AWARE OF AND PRACTICE THE BEHAVIORS LISTED BELOW.

(IGNORANCE IS NO EXCUSE – TELL YOUR RIDING BUDDIES)

The Prairie Village Police and the JCBC have reached this understanding about proper cycling behavior on public streets in Prairie Village and Mission Hills

Sharing the Road

Stop Signs

• Make complete stops.
• Up to 10 riders (one car length) can proceed as one group after stopping together.
• Each group takes its own turn.
• Don’t swarm or creep past stopped cars, either side (same for stop lights)

Stop Lights

• Individual riders can enter the intersection on yellow, but not on red.
• Trailing riders in a group may be ticketed if they enter on red.
• It’s okay to consolidate at a red light in order to clear the intersection faster.

Riding Single and Double File

• Never more than double file except when passing.
• Merge to single file on two-lane streets when cars are back.
• Ride single file on busy two-lane streets.
• Ride as far right as practicable, whether in single or double file.

Passing

• Complete the pass promptly.
• Do not impede trailing cars.
• Pass all the way to the next break in the group.

Pass all the way to the next break in the group.