KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — City commissioners are slated to vote for the last time Monday on an ordinance that would require drivers give bicyclists at least five feet of safe space on Kalamazoo roads.
The idea was floated by the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club after nine cyclists were mowed down by a pickup in Cooper Township three months ago.
Doug Kirk, who is with the club, says drivers may need to make adjustments on narrow roads.
“That’s what we’re trying to do here is wake up the public to the fact that we have every right to be out there and we are very vulnerable users of the road,” Kirk said. “Please protect us.”
“The car might have to wait a few seconds and pull over a lane,” Kirk said. “That’s perfectly reasonable.”
Traffic engineers recommended a three-foot buffer. The five-foot zone would mirror what’s currently on the books in Grand Rapids.
If adopted, it would take effect in 10 days.
The meeting gets underway at 7 p.m.
