BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

I promised a follow-up message after I visited with Bethel Park's police chief regarding the traffic stop in which a patrolman said that I was illegally passing stopped cars on the right. This morning, I met with Bethel Park Chief Timothy O'Connor. We discussed the situation in light of Title 75, sections 3304 (passing on right) and 3505b (pedalcycle operation in shoulder). The chief acknowledged that there could perhaps be a gray area here (presumably since the shoulder does not clearly qualify as a second "line of vehicles" as required by 3304a2), but indicated that in his judgment, my behavior in passing stopped cars on the right while riding a bicycle on the shoulder was permissible. Chief O'Connor stated that he would send a communication to his patrol members to clarify this point. We discussed Bike Pittsburgh's interest in the issue and the fact that some message board respondents had indicated that it had arisen elsewhere as well. A respondent to my last post wondered how I got my citation dismissed in court, since the citation was for jumping a red light, not the disputed passing on the right. Basically, I acknowledged the error in violating a red light and pointed out that the officer had considered a warning sufficient until we got engaged in a discussion over passing on the right and the officer lost his temper, tore up the warning card, and wrote a citation. The judge, after verifying that the officer had no objection, therefore reverted to the warning. Thanks to all who supported me with helpful information and encouragement. --Bruce Barron, back on his bike and roaming the road shoulders of Bethel Park