City scales down cycling ordinance

The Libby City Council passed a scaled-down version of its proposed bicycle ordinance on Monday, striking the contentious portion that would have prohibited riding a bike on Highway 2 and California Avenue sidewalks.

The ordinance, which was passed unanimously, will go into effect May 5. It states that bicyclists must travel at a safe speed and obey traffic laws as a motor vehicle would, such as stopping at stop signs. It also prohibits riding a bike on the sidewalk in the business district on Mineral Avenue.

During Monday’s public hearing about the proposed ordinance, held before the regularly scheduled meeting, Greg and Susie Rice shared their concern that Highway 2 is the only way to travel in the area between Venture Inn and McDonald’s. If the ordinance made the sidewalks on Highway 2 off limits, it would pose a danger to bicyclists.

“Of all the places I bicycle, that is the most dangerous,” Greg Rice said. “… I don’t think it’s time to do that there until we have an alternate route.”

Bicyclists have the option of taking the safer 10th Street course through the center of town, but it ends at Idaho Avenue. The Rices suggested putting up signage that would guide bicyclists along that route.

Mayor Doug Roll assigned the Lights, Streets and Sidewalks Committee with that task.