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DECEMBER 2019 ■ www.ReporterNewspapers.net
A Slice of Good Cheer
Additional protections for cyclists, pedestrians go into effect May 1 BY DYANA BAGBY dyanabagby@reporternewspapers.net
purchase of $25 or more
A new ordinance that adds protections for cyclists and pedestrians beyond what state law requires is now official in Dunwoody. The City Council approved the “vulnerable road user” ordinance at its Nov. 18
Sandy Springs 5975 Roswell Rd, Suite A-103
meeting and is believed to be the first city in Georgia to have such a law.
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“I’m proud that the City Council demonstrated leadership and we’re blazing a new trail in the state of Georgia,” said Councilmember Tom Lambert, who led the effort to pass the ordinance.
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The ordinance was first in-
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troduced in September. “I think this is big public safety issue,” he said. “We want to be a bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly city. That’s what citizens have been asking for all along, and I believe this it is important to take this step to improve the roads for everybody.” The city’s ordinance mirrors much of state law, such as by calling for ticketing a motorist for not stopping for pedestrians in a crosswalk. It prohibits motorists from throwing objects SPECIAL
Councilmember Tom Lambert led the effort to pass the “vulnerable road user” ordinance, saying it was a needed step to make city streets safer for everyone.
at cyclists, driving too close to try to intimidate them,
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December Calendar of Events 4
and turning right in front of
Dunwoody Nature Center 6-8 p.m.
them.
The city’s version adds enhanced penalties for violators. A violator could be sentenced to up to six months in jail, made to pay up to a $1,000 fine and have driver’s licenses suspended. The penalties could be waived if the motorist takes a courtmandated driver safety class. Tickets would be issued by officers witnessing the violations. Besides cyclists and pedestrians, vulnerable road users include those on scooters; mopeds; skateboards; tractors or other vehicles used in agriculture; motorcycles; wheelchairs; and other electric personal mobility device. Dunwoody’s ordinance says that motorists must give cyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing them on a road. Motorists are to cross the center line into the opposite travel lane to give that 3 feet of space only if it is safe to do so. If it is not safe, motorists are to travel slowly behind the cyclist until they are able to safely pass the cyclist with the required 3 feet between them. Lambert said the city’s ordinance makes it clear that using the opposite lane for
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WreathMaking Class
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Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting City Hall 6-8 p.m.
Painting with a Purpose
benefiting Christmas for Kids DonaldsonBannister Farm Tours 6 p.m. Painting 7-9 p.m.
Winter Wonderland
Winter fun in Brook Run Park Ice skating, food trucks, live music, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on the big screen 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
FREE First Saturday Dunwoody Nature Center 11 a.m.- noon
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City Council Meeting
10
Planning Commission Meeting
12
Sustainability Committee Meeting
City Hall 6-8 p.m.
City Hall 6 -8 p.m.
City Hall 7:45 a.m.
safety is allowed, whereas the state law, he said, is open to interpretation. “This is the core foundation of this ordinance,” he said. Police Chief Billy Grogan said that any motorist who drives into an opposite travel lane and causes a crash is at fault and that the city’s ordinance does not change that. The ordinance was approved 6-1 with Councilmember Terry Nall casting the sole “no” vote. The ordinance will go into effect May 1. Between now and then, the city will undertake a public awareness and education campaign to inform residents about the new regulations.
Winter Wonderland Sat., December 7 Winter Wonderland Brook Run Park
10 am-8 pm
Brook Run Park DUN