Pima County Board of Supervisors votes to ban texting while driving

Pima County Bd. of Supervisors in a unanimous vote (5-0) today passed an ordinance to ban texting while driving a motor vehicle, effective within a month.  The ban however, still allows speaking on a cell phone. Here’s what the ordinance states:

“A person may not, while driving a motor vehicle on a highway, manually manipulate a handheld electronic device for any purpose other than to initiate, receive, or engage in voice communication.”

Penalties:

“A person who violates this section and is not involved in a motor vehicle crash is subject to a civil penalty of one hundred dollars ($100.00), plus any other penalty assessments authorized by law. D. A person who violates this section and is involved in a motor vehicle accident is subject to a civil penalty of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00), plus any other penalty assessments authorized by law.”

Exemptions are law enforcement and emergency personnel, bus drivers, while on private property, and while the vehicle is stationary.

Several persons (mostly bicyclists) testified in favor of this proposed ordinance brought forth by the Pima County Sheriff’s Dept.  Sheriff Chris Nanos spoke in favor of this proposal, as did LD 9 State Senator Steve Farley, who said he was the first to introduce this type of legislation in the Arizona House of Representatives 10 years ago. Apparently only Arizona and Montana have no state laws against texting while driving. Firefighter Brendon Lyons testified about being severely injured when hit by a “distracted driver” on Oct. 4, 2013. He showed a video of the accident and his long, painful recovery. He also brought in a mounted display of his shattered bicycle. Oro Valley Vice Mayor Lou Waters testified in favor as well, for the sake of “public safety”.

Read more

Bike Fest 2016 during entire month of April

Lots of bicycle friendly events to participate in during entire month of April. Go to events calendar: http://www.bikefesttucson.com/events/2016-04/ Last year we participated in the morning “Roll with the Mayor” breakfast & ride, and His Honor Mayor Jonathan Rothschild set a very fast pace on the E. 3rd Street bike route.  It’s on April 26 this … Read more

BICAS’ Hottest Day of the Year bike ride & pool party

HottestDayRide_8x11(2)

Join BICAS for a Tucson-style benefit bike ride & pool party! (from their website, www.bicas.org)

Love riding your bicycle in the summer? We do, too! Gather up some friends and join BICAS for our 2nd annual HOTTEST DAY of the YEAR Benefit Ride and Pool Party.

This is an easy-paced group ride with fun stops to cool down. It ends at Menlo Park for lunch, suds, and a dip in the pool. Heaps of fun for the whole family!

$25 – Adult rider
$50 – Family of 4 (must have one youth under 12 yrs)
$15 – Youth rider (18 and under)
+$10 – Day-of Procrastinator Fee (Sign up early!)

Registration fee includes a BICAS water bottle, light breakfast/coffee, lunch, ice-cold drinks, and pool entry.

Read more