Laws,Policies,Initiatives
This from the DRAFT CT Statewide Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan Update • May 2009. www.ctbikepedplan.org
Laws, Policies, and InitiativesConnecticut Laws
There are a number of state laws that relate to bicyclists, pedestrians, and equestrians. These laws inform how they should behave when traveling. Such laws include helmet laws, crossing laws, and bicycle positioning laws. When all user groups, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists, follow existing regulations they can co-exist safely. There are laws that state how motorists must behave when traveling near bicyclists, pedestrians, and equestrians. For example, existing legislation requires motorists to provide a minimum of three feet passing and stopping before the sidewalk area when emerging from driveways and alleys. In addition, legislation was passed in 2008 requiring motorists to allow a minimum of 3 feet of separation when passing a cyclist. These laws are intended to improve the safety of the bicyclist and pedestrian encouraging travelers to make greater use of these modes of transportation. A number of bicycle, pedestrian, and equestrian related state laws:
Bicyclist rights and responsibilities(Section 14-286a):
- Bicyclists traveling on roadways have same rights and responsibilities as motorists.
- Bicyclists traveling on sidewalks and in/along crosswalks have the same rights and responsibilities as pedestrians.
- Parents may not authorize children to violate statutes related to bicycle travel.
Operation of bicycles (Section 14-286b):
- Bicyclists must ride as near to the right as practicable on roadways, except when turning left, passing pedestrians, parked vehicles, and obstructions.
- Bicyclists may not ride two abreast on roadways, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
- Bicyclists may not attach themselves to moving motor vehicles.
- Carrying large packages, bundles, and passengers is restricted. One hand must remain on the handlebars when bicycling.
IV. Policies and Practices
Left and right turns (Section 14-28c):
- Bicyclists must use hand or mechanical signals to communicate with other travelers.
- Signals need not be given continuously.
Helmet use (Section 14-286d):
- Bicyclists aged 15 and under must wear protective headgear.
Bicyclist use of helper motors (Section 14-286):
- Bicyclists must have a valid driver's license to use a helper motor, though special permits may be granted.
- Travel speed cannot exceed 30 miles per hour.
- Bicycles with helper motors cannot be driven on sidewalks, limited access highways, or turnpikes.
Lights, reflectors, and brakes on bicycles
(Section 14-288):
- During nighttime and times of low visibility, bicyclists must utilize a front light visible from 500 feet, a rear red reflector or light visible from 600 feet, and reflective material on bike visible from 600 feet on side.
- Bicycles must have a brake which can stop within 25 feet when traveling at 10 miles per hour.
Local jurisdiction regulations (Section 14-289):
- Local jurisdictions, remaining consistent with Sections 14-286 and 14-288, may regulate bicycle uses in their jurisdiction.
Motorists passing bicyclists:
- Motorists overtaking / passing a bicyclist must allow a minimum of three feet separation (Sec. 14-232 Sec. 13).
- Motorists overtaking / passing a bicyclist in the same direction may not make a right turn, unless it can be done safely without impeding the travel of the bicyclist
(Sec. 14-242a).
Pedestrian and roadway crossings:
- Pedestrians must adhere to pedestrian control signals where they exist at intersections. Pedestrians shall not cross the highway against a red or "Stop" signal or at unmarked locations. A pedestrian starting across the highway on a "Walk" signal or on any such crosswalk or on a green or "Go" signal shall have the right of way over all vehicles, including those making turns (Sec. 14-300).
- Special pedestrian street or sidewalk markings should be provided in areas with high proportions of elderly persons
(Sec. 14-300a).
- Motorists must yield to pedestrians at the entrance to, or in, marked and unmarked crosswalks (Sec.14-300b and Sec.14-300c).
- Pedestrians may not cross an intersection diagonally unless directed by pedestrian signal or officer (Sec. 14-300b).
- Pedestrians may not cross between adjacent intersections with traffic or pedestrian-control signals except within a marked crosswalk (Sec. 14-300b).
- Pedestrians in a crosswalk shall travel whenever practicable in the right half of the crosswalk (Sec. 14-300b).
Vehicle operators must • exercise due care to pedestrians and provide audible signals when passing them (Sec. 14-300d).
- Vehicle operators must stop at least 10 feet from a crossing when directed to do so by a school crossing guard (Section 14-300f).
- Motorists emerging from an alley, driveway,or building must stop prior to driving onto the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway or driveway to yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian (Sec 14-247a).
Bicyclists on state highways:
- The State Traffic Commission shall adopt regulations, in cooperation and agreement with local traffic authorities, governing the use of state highways, and the operation of vehicles including but not limited to motor vehicles and bicycles (Sec.14-298).
Including bicycle and pedestrian in highway planning (Section 13a-57b):
- The Transportation Commissioner shall,whenever possible, encourage the inclusion of areas for bicycles and pedestrians when creating the layout of a state highway or relocating a state highway.
Riding with animals on highways (Sec. 14- 293a):
- Any person who rides any horse or other animal upon a public highway shall conform to the rules of Chapter 293 and 249, unless such provisions clearly do not apply from the language or context.
Motor vehicles passing equestrians (Sec. 14-293b):
- Approaching motor vehicle operators must reduce speed appropriately or stop, if necessary, to avoid endangering the equestrian or frightening or striking the horse. A statement concerning such responsibilities is included in the 2008 Motor Vehicle Driver Manual.
- Federal and State Agency Policies and Initiatives
Policies of the federal and state government have the potential either to encourage or discourage the public choice to utilize non-motorized transportation. Some of these policies and initiatives are examined below. All are state policies, except for the SRTS program, which is a federally funded program.
Connecticut Department of Transportation
State Traffic Commission
The State Traffic Commission (STC) follows a specific application process for proposed developments that could be major traffic generators on state highways. Any development that includes two hundred or more parking spaces, or a gross floor area of 100,000 square feet or more, must complete the certificate of application process. The purpose of the process is to gauge the development's impact on the surrounding transportation system and also take the internal site circulation into consideration. Specifically, the STC process requires information on how the use of bicycling and walking by employees and/or patrons has been considered, especially in terms of the development's internal circulation and parking. Including pedestrian and bicycle circulation within the site is a great benefit for all travelers, as all travelers begin and end all trips as pedestrians.
Surface Transportation Program (STP) - UrbanSidewalk Guidelines
This federal funding has guidelines, established by CTDOT, that outline using STP-Urban funds for the construction of new sidewalks. These funds can be used for a new sidewalk where none has existed or where a new segment of walkway is needed to fill the gap between two existing walkways. These funds cannot be used to replace an existing sidewalk due to its age. CTDOT typically does not provide state match for new sidewalks under this program.
Safe Routes to Schools
SRTS is a federal program, introduced in SAFETEA-LU (2005), that promotes walking and bicycling to school for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. In Connecticut, the SRTS program is administered by CTDOT and provides funding for school based projects in the areas of encouragement, education, engineering, enforcement, and evaluation. These pedestrian and bicycle safety projects are often organized and supported at the local level. While the program provides funds to municipalities through a competitive process, CTDOT requires that schools complete a SRTS Plan. A SRTS Plan outlines obstacles to walking and bicycling as well as its improvement needs for a school. The program receives approximately $1-3 million per year and a typical grant to a municipality or school is about $250,000 - $300,000.
Metro North Commuter Rail
Metro North Rail provides daily commuter rail service through the shoreline towns of southwestern Connecticut between Grand Central Station in New York City and New Haven, Connecticut, with additional branchline service to New Canaan, Waterbury and Danbury. There are a number of policies that govern traveling on trains with bicycles. First and foremost, travelers who wish to bring their bicycles onto Metro North trains must havea permit; bicycle permits cost $5 and are good for life. Folding bicycles do not need a permit, but must be folded while boarding, exiting, and being stored on a train. Second, there are a number of schedule and occupancy restrictions, which are summarized below:
Schedule Restrictions:
Bicycles are not • permitted on trains scheduled to depart from Grand Central Terminal during peak hours (between 7 AM and 9 AM, 3 PM and 8:15 PM).
- Bicycles are not permitted on trains scheduled to arrive in Grand Central Terminal during peak hours (between 5 AM and 10 AM, 4 PM and 8 PM) and on certain days before and after holidays.
- Bicycles are not permitted on trains on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Mother's Day, Eve of Rosh Hashanah, Eve of Yom Kippur, Eve of Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and certain days before and after holidays.
Occupancy Restrictions:
- Two bicycles are allowed per car with a maximum of four bicycles per train on weekdays.
- Eight is the maximum number of bicycles allowed on trains is eight on weekends.
The most current version of the Metro North rules for traveling with bicycles on trains are available at http://www.mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/bikerule.htm. Governor Rell has also requested the new M-8 trains to be purchased for Metro North include space for bicycles.
Shoreline East Commuter Rail
Passengers are permitted to bring bicycles on board Shore Line East trains between Old Saybrook and New Haven only. Passengers are required to safely carry bicycles on and off the trains and safely store bicycles on board with front tires removed. Bicycle groups of 5 or more passengers are required to provide one week prior notification of their travel plans to CDOT Rail Operations at (203) 789-6955.
Amtrak Rail Service
There are a number of options for traveling with bicycles on Amtrak trains. These include:
- Storing bicycles onboard in bike racks
- On some Amtrak trains, passengers can roll their bikes up to the train and secure it in a bike rack, unboxed. Availability of this service varies widely from train to train, and station to station. The passenger must reserve space for bicycleswhen reserving their ticket. A $5 to $10 fee is charged for reserving a space in the bike rack.
- Checking bicycles as checked baggage in a box or other secure container - Passengers can bring bicycles on Amtrak as checked baggage between all cities where checked baggage services are offered. However, not all stations or trains have checked baggage service, and that baggage service may not be available every day.
- Checking bicycles as checked baggage secured by tie-down equipment, not in a box - Some trains have tie-down equipment in the baggage car or other areas designated for checked baggage. Where such equipment is available, passengers can check their bikes without a box or other container. This space is limited, and must be reserved for a fee.
- Bringing folding bicycles onboard as carry-on baggage - Folding bicycles may be brought aboard passenger cars as carryon baggage. Only true folding bicycles (bicycles specifically designed to fold up into a compact assembly) are acceptable. Generally, these bikes have frame latches allowing the frame to be collapsed, and small wheels. Regular bikes of any size, with or without wheels, are not considered folding bikes, and maynot be stored as folding bikes aboard trains. To determine how to best transport a bicycle on Amtrak, passengers can call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) for assistance. The most current version of the Amtrak rules for traveling with bicycles on trains are available at http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1080080554487&pagename=Amtrak%2Fam2Copy%2FSimple_Copy_Page&c=am2Copy.
Department of Public Health
In 1985, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, along with the Connecticut Commission on Children, created the Connecticut Childhood Obesity Council to establish state priorities for combating childhood obesity and coordinating statewide initiatives. In November 2008, the Council held a forum in Hartford, Connecticut to discuss strategies to reduce childhood obesity, At the forum, the importance of government at all levels to provide coordinated leadership for the prevention of obesity in children and youth was recognized. Also, the value of continued research and program efforts, with a focus on behavioral research and community-based intervention was emphasized. The following specific strategies have proven to be effective:
Providing healthier foods to children at school
- Improving the availability of healthy foods at home
- Increasing the frequency, intensity,and duration of physical activity at school
- Improve access to safe places where children can play
- Limit time watching television, using the computer, or playing video games. Additional recommended programs include the CT DEP's No Child Left Inside Program as well as New York City's menu labeling requirements and removal of transfats from restaurant foods.
Office of Responsible Growth/Office of Policy and Management
The Office of Responsible Growth was established by State Executive Order 15 to coordinate state efforts to revitalize cities, preserve the unique charm of the state and build livable, economically strong communities while protecting natural resources for the enjoyment of future generations. The Office of Responsible Growth is housed within the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management. Responsibilities of the Office of Responsible Growth include preparing the State Plan of Conservation and Development every five years, as well as reviewing state plans, projects, and bonding requests to ensure that they are consistent with the State Plan. One of the six growth management principles in the State Plan of Conservation and Development is to concentrate development around transportation nodes and along major transportation corridors to support the viability of transportation options. This principle is extremely important for creating and maintaining walkable and bikable communities.
Department of Environmental Protection
The Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for maintenance of the state parks and forests as well as many of the state's recreational trails. An annual grant program makes money available to towns and regions with eligible trail projects which expand the state's network of multi-use trails or improve existing trails. Connecticut's Greenways Council, whose members are appointed by the Governor, meets monthly to discuss ongoing concerns such as legislative approval for new projects, existing trail maintenance, how to better meet the recreational needs of pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians, and project funding as well as other relevant issues.
No Child Left Inside is an initiative of Governor M. Jodi Rell and is coordinated by CT DEP. The purpose of the program is to encourage families throughout the state to utilize all of the recreational resources and outdoor activities available in Connecticut's state parks, forests and waterways. The program features events such as family hikes and wildlife education, tracking, and observation with instruction from wildlife biologists and other outdoor professionals who attend and teach at the events, held at various state parks and wildlife management areas. All initiatives are either free of charge or require a minimal cost. One component of the No Child Left Inside program is The Great Park Pursuit, which is designed to market the overall No Child Left Inside program as well as introduce families to State Parks and Forests. The Great Park Pursuit is a multiweek game that takes families on an interactive tour of parks and forests across the state. The game allows families to experience different parks and participate in a wide variety of activities tied to either recreational offerings or historical significance found in the park system. The Great Park Pursuit has had much success, more than doubling its enrollment in three years, from 400 families in 2006 to over 900 families in 2008. More information on this program is available at http://www.nochildleftinside.org/programs/.
The Department's Connecticut Recreational Trails Plan, a requirement for federal recreational trail funding, outlines a number of goals and objectives in place to preserve, enhance, and develop trails and access for a wide variety of uses including bicycling and walking/hiking. Specifically, the Plan calls for the continuity and linkage of trail systems around the state as well as the development of recreational areas for all trail users in the state.