The Observation Deck

Just last summer, Dad and I considered getting a used 4 wheel two seat pedal vehicle with a surrey-type top. I still kick myself for not getting it, as it would have been great for the short trip to the corner store, along with getting some great exercise in the process. This type of vehicle would be so much safer and more stable for our particular needs than two wheeled bikes would be, and would also have been something that we could have enjoyed together.

If I see another one for sale, it just might come home. Lakewood really needs these vehicles. They would absolutely underscore all that our community is trying to achieve with regard to walkability and bikeability for all of our residents, irrespective of age or disabling conditions. As a matter of fact, I well remember a young man in Lakewood who had some physical challenges and used an unusual pedal vehicle around this town for years.

Let's hope this is all thought-out properly and Council doesn't simply do something knee jerk that will later get reversed in the courts.

Back to the banjo.

The gist of the conversation at the Feb 4 Public Safety Committee meeting?

Dominic "Vinnie" Latessa's Rhoades Car quadracycle (or "this contraption" as Police Chief Malley called it) is neither a bike nor a vehicle as defined by any State Law or Lakewood Ordinance.

Director Butler suggested that the Committee's first obligation would be to define the vehicle/bike/contraption.


Mr. Latessa was in attendance but did not speak. The Committee heard from Mike Stanek of Cleveland Cycle Tours (http://bikecct.com/) who asked that Lakewood officials be open-minded about how it legislates these multi-wheeled pedal vehicles for both commercial and personal use. Kevin Cronin, a board member for Bike Cleveland (http://bikecleveland.org/), a non-profit organization who advocates for the rights and equality of the cycling community, also spoke about the how all form of cycling helps builds livable communities.

Tonight's meeting kicks off what will surely be a lengthy discussion.

Peter,

Thank you for updating us.

I see from your post that Bike Cleveland shared its position.

Did anyone from BikeLakewood have a position on this issue?

From http://blog.onelakewood.com/2011/11/bikelakewood-bicycle-master-plan-draft.html:

In late 2010, the City began an intensive public process to begin building a strategy to make Lakewood the most bike friendly community in Ohio. Through a series of City hosted workshops, surveys, bicycle traffic counts and discussion with local business, schools and residents - Planning staff was able to gather information on the state of bicycling in Lakewood today.

With the wealth of knowledge among the BikeLakewood folks, it would seem that they would have a learned opinion on this subject.

Matt

Matthew John Markling wrote:
Did anyone from BikeLakewood have a position on this issue?

With the wealth of knowledge among the BikeLakewood folks, it would seem that they would have a learned opinion on this subject.

No one in attendance identified him/herself as representing BikeLakewood (https://www.facebook.com/groups/196832963715317/). I agree with you that The Collective We should tap into their knowledge base. I think some of the folks posting in this discussion are members of BikeLakewood.

I also have to wonder what role the Lakewood Community Vision Update project has in this discussion, as four of the updates 6 focus areas--Commercial Development, Community Wellness, Mobility, Safety--are in play here.

I have to add ... one of the most "d'oh" moments of the meeting was something to the tune of: "I think we all agree that this is a matter of public safety." Probably why this is being taken up by Council's Public Safety Committee!?!?!?



Be safe out there, everyone!

The conversation continues ...


The Public Safety Committee will meet Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 6:15 PM in the Jury Room of Lakewood City Hall, 12650 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio. The following items will be discussed.

1) Follow up discussion on Municipal Court decision regarding quadricycles

If you have questions, concerns, comments regarding quadricyles in Lakewood, this is the meeting to attend. Public is welcome.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Lakewood, Ohio Public Safety Committee:

I thought it would be helpful if I sent you the three links below to see how Rhoades Cars fit into various traffic situations without being a hazard. The first two are very short videos of two of our models in everyday traffic (approx 1 minute each) and the third is a new turn signal option that we have available.

University of Memphis Police Captain riding the Rhoades Car SportPed on campus in traffic:


Rhoades Car GoBoy in traffic at a busy shopping center:


Available Option – Turn Signals for Rhoades Car models:


If I can be of any assistance while you continue to make decisions regarding quadracycles in your community, please contact me at 615-590-0303 or by email at Bill@rhoadescar.com.

Thank you for your attention.

Bill Pomakoy | President