Greenwood, MO, passes anti-bicyclist harassment ordinance--2nd Missouri community to pass ordinance

The Greenwood, MO, City Council passed an anti-bicyclist harassment ordinance yesterday by a vote of 3-1.

The ordinance, based on the Columbia, MO, bicyclist harassment ordinance, makes it a misdemeanor to throw things at a bicyclist, honk, swerve, or shout with the intention of scaring a bicyclist, and generally promotes good, safe behavior on the roads.

Mayor Megee of Greenwood is hoping that the ordinance will catch on and be passed by a number of Missouri communities, particularly in the greater Kansas City area where Greenwood is located.

In his speech supporting the measure, Mayor Greenwood mentioned the support of local legislators in promoting Bike Month legislation (Sen Pearce & Rep. Will Kraus) and the synergy of passing the ordinance during National Bike Month.

Alderman Seagraves indicated he had received about 1000 email messages on the subject, almost all of them supportive, and many from key people in the community.  The ordinance was supported by MoBikeFed and bicycle groups in the Kansas City region, who encouraged their members to contact the City Council members in support.

Alderman Reynolds spoke, indicating that his wife had been forced off the road while bicycling just the previous day, and the motorist then returned to verbally harass her.  He took this as a positive indication that bicyclist harassment does occur in Greenwood and the anti-bicyclist harassment measure is needed.

The final vote was 3-1 with Aldermen Van Acker, Seagraves, and Reynolds supporting and Alderman Cover voting against.  

Mayor Megee, who clearly supported the ordinance, only votes in case of a tie among the other city council members.

If you'd like to contact Mayor Megee & say thanks, his email address is mlmegee@greenwoodmo.com

 

We have not received the full text of the ordinance but the Greenwood ordinance is based on the Columbia, Missouri, ordinance, which reads:

Sec. 16-145. Harassment of a bicyclist.

(a) A person commits the offense of harassment of a bicyclist if the person: . . .

(1) Knowingly throws an object at or in the direction of any person riding a bicycle; or

(2) Threatens any person riding a bicycle for the purpose of frightening or disturbing the person riding the bicycle; or

(3) Sounds a horn, shouts or otherwise directs sound toward any person riding a bicycle for the purpose of frightening or disturbing the person riding the bicycle; or

(4) Knowingly engages in conduct that creates a risk of death or serious physical injury to the person riding a bicycle.

(b) Harassment of a bicyclist is a Class A misdemeanor.

More info from the Lee's Summit Journal.