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Bike Pamphlet

The Master Plan

On June 25, 1996, the City Council, City of Norman, Oklahoma adopted the Bicycle Transportation Master Plan (with Initial Bikeway Routing Plan). Part of that plan created the Norman Bicycle Steering Committee.

The Committee calls the Master Plan...BICYCLE NORMAN!

BICYCLE NORMAN was developed and adopted to improve the bicycling environment and maximize opportunities for bicycling in the City of Norman. To facilitate this plan, a bicycle registration process and education plan has been developed, along with plans for designated bike routes, lanes and paths. This packet was designed to help Norman bicyclists understand the plan; the traffic laws regarding bicycles; as well as to be a tool in the registration process.

This Master Plan recognizes the fact that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles traveling the Public Rights-of-Way in Norman.

The Purpose for Registration

  1. To aid in the recovery of lost and stolen bicycles; theft prevention/deterrent
  2. To offer the opportunity to provide safety inspection of bicycles and equipment
  3. To raise awareness of the importance of safety education and bicycle laws
  4. To raise funds for the recovery of registration costs; printing and distributing educational literature and maps; bicycling facilities (dedicated pathways, routes, planning, signage, etc.)

Prior to the adoption of BICYCLE NORMAN, fees obtained from the registration of bicycles went into the Norman General Fund. Now these fees are specifically set aside for the improvement of the bicycling environment in Norman!

Our major funding comes from YOU the bicyclist. We will be seeking Federal Grants to help this cause, as well as seeking additional funding from the private sector, but YOU are encouraged to directly help all bicyclists in Norman and receive the benefits of registration too!

BICYCLE NORMAN can only work with your help ... You can help by simply registering your bicycle(s).

Rules of the Road

Traffic laws apply to bicycle riders:

Every person riding a bicycle upon a street shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle.

These responsibilities are described in the Code of Ordinances for Norman, Oklahoma. The following is excerpted from Norman Traffic Code (Sec. 20400):

Riding upon bicycles:

  1. No person shall ride upon a bicycle other than astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto, and with at least one hand upon the handlebars.
  2. No person shall carry persons upon a bicycle in excess of the number for which the bicycle was designed and equipped.

Riding on sidewalk:

No person shall ride a bicycle or skateboard upon any sidewalk or sidewalk area where such riding is specifically prohibited by signs.

Carrying articles:

No person shall carry any packages, bundles or articles upon a bicycle which prevents the rider from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.

Parking:

No person shall park a bicycle upon a street other than in a standing position upon the roadway against the curb, or upon the sidewalk in a rack to support the bicycle, or against a building, or adjacent to the curb, in such a manner so as to afford the least obstruction to pedestrian traffic.

Riding on streets:

  1. Except when properly executing a turn, every person riding upon a street shall ride as near to the right side of the right roadway as practicable or within a bicycle lane thereon provided, exercising due care when passing any vehicle.
  2. Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane.
  3. A person riding a bicycle across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk shall have all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances.

OTHER "STANDARD" RULES OF THE ROAD FOR VEHICLES (including bicycles):

  1. NEVER RIDE "FACING" TRAFFIC! Pedestrians walk facing traffic; vehicles are operated with the flow of traffic.
  2. Stop at STOP signs and obey traffic signal lights.
  3. Signal for turns and utilize turn lanes when available.
  4. For night travel a headlight and taillight are required.
  5. Observe and obey posted speed limits.

Procedure for Registerlng Your Bicycle(s): Complete an official "Bicycle Registration" form (found here, or at the Norman Police Department, Recreation Centers, Fire Stations, or from participating bike retailers and/or cycling clubs.) Owner and/or parent will be asked for verifiable identification. Your bicycle must have a permanent serial number to be registered. If you cannot find a number or if your number is only a sticker, please take the bicycle to the OU Police Department headquarters (2720 S. Monitor) and they can stamp a number in for you. Decals will be issued to the owner upon completion of form and payment of fees ($9 per bicycle) in person or by mail to either the City of Norman Utility Division or The University of Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. The registration decal is valid for a three-year time period.

When you receive your individually numbered registration decal:

  1. Be sure you put the decal on the proper bicycle. (some of us have more than one)
  2. Clean the area to which the decal is to be applied. (see diagram below for recommended locations)
  3. Apply the decal, and
  4. RIDE!

Recommended Decal Placement

WHILE RIDING YOUR BICYCLE ALWAYS RIDE SAFELY AND COURTEOUSLY AND WEAR A PROPERLY ADJUSTED SNELL OR ANSI APPROVED HELMET!

A SEPARATE FORM IS REQUIRED FOR EACH BICYCLE IN YOUR FAMILY.

REGISTRATION FORMS MAY BE MAILED TO: CITY OF NORMAN REVENUE AND UTILITY DIVISION P.O. Box 370 NORMAN, OK 73070



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