* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Clarke
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
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Informational Hearing - Baltimore Police Department - Police and Cyclists
FOR the purpose of inviting the Baltimore Police Commissioner to report to the City Council on the Police Department's procedures for responding to incidents involving cyclists and the Department's general approach to the bicycling community.
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Recitals
In response to both improved cycling infrastructure in the City and individuals' desires to make use of a healthy, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly transportation option, bicycle use in Baltimore has been growing in popularity. Unfortunately, some of these cyclists are occasionally involved in traffic accidents or other incidents that require police involvement.
When traffic incidents involving bicycles occur, cyclists frequently report that police officers responding at the scene are unfamiliar with issues specific to bicycle involved accidents or that officers are reluctant to file a report on accidents involving cyclists. Cyclists have also reported that many officers seem unaware of all of the laws governing bicycle operation, sometimes requiring riders to operate their bicycles in an unlawful manner or objecting to legal behaviors.
Together, these concerns have led to a too widespread perception in the cycling community that the Baltimore Police Department is not r...
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