The current Gainesville/Hall County bike/pedestrian plan was adopted in March, 2006 and needs to be updated. City Manager Bill Andrew said Thursday night by updating the plan, Flowery Branch would have a better chance to get state funding by showing up-to-date connectivity to a comprehensive bike/ped system.
Andrew said he does not expect the plan to conflict with proposed state legislation to regulate bi-cycling.
"As I understand that legislation there would be a requirement for the bikes to be licensed in some way, but these bikes would be riding on roads or paths that aren't trafficked with motor vehicles," Andrew said. "I'm assuming that some of those regulations in terms of spacing and other things wouldn't apply to this particular path."
The legislation, authored by Gainesville State Representative Carl Rogers, calls for paid registration and licensing for bicycles that would be operated on streets that also are used by motor vehicles. (See Separate Story: Local Lawmakers propose change in bicycle laws)
FEWER STOP SIGNS?
Flowery Branch may soon be getting rid of some its stop signs and changing speed limits according to Police Chief David Spillers. Under a state transportation department mandate to check radar enforced speed zones, the Chief said some signs were set up for speed control, and not stopping vehicles.
"All of them will be reviewed,"the Chief said. "It's my hope that some of them that are unnecessary will be eliminated and I hope that some of them will be replaced with speed tables which are more effective devices to govern speed and slow drivers down, rather than a stop sign."
Spillers added that based on traffic congestion or the lack of it, speed limits may be raised to 45 miles an hour in a couple of areas, and reduced to 35 miles an area in others.
City Manager Bill Andrew said he does not expect the plan to conflict with proposed state legislation to regulate bi-cycling
http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/10/266335