I addressed his concerns with an explanation. I also provided my work email for follow up and future discussion.

Hi Bradley, I received your uReport (below). Recently, City Council approved several changes to local code, and one of those includes making it legal to ride a bicycle on multiuse paths, in crosswalks, and on sidewalks; however, there are restrictions as to the behavior of a bicyclist in these locations. The biggest caveat is that bicyclists must yield to pedestrians, and if passing a pedestrian, must provide a minimum of 3-feet of clearance. In instances where three feet cannot be achieved, the bicyclists must dismount, ride in the street, or just not pass the pedestrian. Additionally, riding on the sidewalk or even on multiuse paths can present other potential dangers, and the new code changes require that a bicyclist on a multiuse path or sidewalk must slow down at driveways and cross streets. This is because drivers often aren't looking for a bicyclists to be traveling in that space and at bicycle speeds. Technically, the law has not been signed into effect by the Mayor yet. However, it will be soon. So, to summarize, it is now (very soon) legal to ride your bicycle on the sidewalk provided that you yield to pedestrians and slow down at driveways and cross streets. We want to stress that sidewalks are really the domain of pedestrians, but we understand that if someone is bicycling on the sidewalk, it is because the person does not feel comfortable or safe riding in the street. In the long term, we'd like to continue to build a better bicycle network that provides many great facilities where people of all ages and abilities feel comfortable. Currently, we're not there yet! In terms of your concerns about Smith Road, bicycling on the multiuse paths and sidewalks is an option. I didn't realize, but that section of Smith Road is not maintained by the City and is outside of City limits. I would still be happy to discuss and I can also put you in touch with an active transportation planner in the County Planning Department. If you would like to discuss further, please feel free to email me directly at rosenbab@bloomington.in.gov. I'd be happy to discuss that street, other concerns, and put you in touch with County planners as well. Additionally, there will be some opportunities for public outreach in order to create a new transportation plan in the near future. I'd be happy to add your email to contacts for that. Let me know. Thank you for sharing your concerns and experience. Please let me know if you have any questions still. Cheers, Beth Rosenbarger, AICP Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator rosenbab@bloomington.in.gov Other: In the transition from Longview Ave. to E. 7th St., the asphalt multi-use lane turns into a double-wide cement sidewalk. I've always stayed on the path because it links directly to the underpass at the bridge and seems and extension of the bike path. But today someone told me, "Get off the sidewalk idiot!" I pride myself on following the rules of bicycling. AQm I right or wrong to be using that stretch of cement? Also, Smith Road between 3rd St. and Moore's Pike is a disaster for bicyclists--way too narrow to safely bike on the road, but only a cement sidewalk on the west side, which then vanishes to become a multi-use path on the WEST side of the road, which then vanishes again at the corner of Moore's Pike to become a sidewalk traveling west. How can my kids safely ride their bikes down Smith Road!?