Councilman wants to suspend Columbia bicycle harassment ordinance

The Columbia Missourian reports:

Fourth Ward Councilman Jerry Wade said Monday he thinks the City Council "made a mistake" with its approval last month of an ordinance protecting cyclists from harassment.

Wade started off the council comments portion of Monday night's meeting with a reversal from his stance in June. At the June 15 meeting, the council unanimously approved the cyclists ordinance. . . .

Wade prepared a two-sided handout detailing his present opposition to the ordinance. He said the council should vote to suspend the ordinance for at least six months while staff evaluates whether or not amendments to current city ordinances can provide broader harassment protection.

KOMU-TV adds:

Wade now argues the measure is one sided in that in only helped cyclists, not drivers. He also said the ordinance singles out bikers from harassment and its not the council's responsibility to single out groups.

No one is suggesting that if the measure could be improved, it shouldn't be. In fact at the initial council meeting, council members suggested that the measure be expanded to include pedestrians and wheelchair users, and all supporters (including the Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation) agree is a good idea.

But simply suspending the ordinance seems to be caving in to the belligerent and un-informed faction that really just wants bicyclists and pedestrians off the road and out of their way.

If you live in Columbia, contacting your city council member about this issue is very important right now. Council contact info is here.

Suggested message:

I absolutely oppose suspending the bicyclist harassment ordinance.

The vocal and nasty opposition the ordinance has received from a few residents only shows how much the ordinance is really needed.

The ordinance opens the way for the city and the police to work to make our streets safer and more welcoming to all groups.

I would certainly support work to make the harassment ordinance more inclusive of all groups, including pedestrians, wheelchair users, and even drivers who are harassed, intimidated, or threatened. But we absolutely should not suspend the ordinance, because it is needed right now.