Cleveland Bikes has a committee that is about to contact city governments to advocate for better (safer and more fair) local ordinances covering bicycle operation.  We have rated the ordinances in 62 NE Ohio communities and what we found is not good.  Only one city, Brook Park, has excellent ordinances (rated A).  About half (32) are mediocre (rating of C) and the rest are D's and F's (some even F-). 

The ratings are based on a simple scheme, based mostly on whether laws require unsafe operation or are discriminatory.  One of the most serious defects is requiring riding on sidewalks (even for adults).  Details are on the Crankmail website.

We need help. We need residents of these communities to speak up in favor of better bicycle driving laws.  It is easy to help.  All we need is one or more cyclists from each community to:

1. Check whether the information in "Sidewalk Laws" is accurate and up-to-date so we have the
   correct information in our letter.
2. Talk to your government officials about reforming their ordinances.  Ask them to invite us to give a
   presentation (or perhaps you can give this presentation).
3. Accompany and support us if we make a presentation to city government
4. Attend some council meetings (to become known to the city government)

We have a Powerpoint slide show to present to local officials.  You can see this via a link from the Sidewalk Laws article.

Having better laws will help you because traffic laws shape --

• How cyclists are taught to ride
• The safety record of cyclists
• How the police treat cyclists
• What the motoring public expects from cyclists
• What happens in court if a cyclist has a collision

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