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CASE # <br /> <br />COUNTY ROAD AND CITY STREET SIGNING <br />By: Mike Auspos, Police Chief <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />There exists on our County highways and MSA City streets a potentially dangerous situation that <br />the present highway regulatory signing doesn't seem to be correcting. Currently there are signs <br />posted at strategic points that state "No Driving On Shoulder-Bicycles Permitted". It is a <br />common sight to see motorists use the paved shoulders on these roads as a passing lane to go <br />around a left turning vehicle. Frequently this manuever is done at 50 miles per hour or more, <br />even when the left turning vehicle is just slowing to turn and isn't facing any oncoming traffic. <br />The danger lies in the use of the shoulders by pedestrians and bicyclists who may not be seen by <br />the passing vehicle. I realize that with any traffic law and sign there are persons who will <br />disregard the warnings and disobey their command. The above driving action is so common, <br />however, that I feel motorists generally believe that they can't routinely "drive" on the <br />shoulder but a brief "pass" is okay. With the planned extension of 153rd Avenue N.W. and the <br />upgrading of Armstrong Blvd. N.W. we can expect to see more of this passing occurring. With <br />this increase comes a stronger possibility of a serious injury or death to a cyclist or pedestrian. <br /> <br />Recommendation: <br /> <br />I would like to see the County and the City place black and white signs of sufficient size at <br />strategic points on roads that have a paved, marked shoulder. These signs should read "No <br />Driving Or Passing On Shoulder-Bicycles Permitted". I have seen a variety of this sign on <br />Hanson Blvd. in Coon Rapids which reads "No Passing On Shoulder". The wording I am proposing <br />clearly sets out that motorists cannot use the shoulder for passing, much less driving. With <br />these signs and a period of heavy enforcement and public information via the Ramsey Resident <br />newsletter, I believe we can make our streets safer. <br /> <br />Council Action: <br /> <br />Motion to: <br />Authorize the Street Department to acquire and erect signs stating "No Driving Or <br />Passing On Shoulder-Bicycles Permitted" on City streets that have a paved and marked <br />shoulder. <br /> <br />Motion to: <br />Adopt Resolution #89-05-. requesting the Anoka County Highway Department to <br />erect signs stating "No Driving Or Passing On Shoulder-Bicycles Permitted" on County <br />roads that have a paved and marked shoulder. <br /> <br />Review Checklist: <br /> <br />City Administrator <br />City Attorney <br />City Engineer <br />Community Development Director <br /> <br />Chief of Police X <br />Finance Officer <br />Public Works Supervisor X <br />Other <br /> <br /> <br />