Though we usually have this conversation about bicycles, and not motorcycles, both sets of riders have well-stated issues with going undetected by traffic signal sensors, due to their lighter weight.

The AJC reports that House Bill 161, drafted by Georgia House Member – and motorcyclist – Ann Purcell, “basically would allow motorcyclists to treat red lights like stop signs. They could proceed after waiting 60 seconds to check traffic.”  Here’s the wording of the bill…

A driver of a motorcycle approaching an intersection controlled by a traffic-control signal utilizing a vehicle detection device that is inoperative due to the size of the motorcycle shall come to a full and complete stop at the intersection in response to a red light and, after waiting for a reasonable period of time, not less than 60 seconds, for such traffic-control signal to detect such motorcycle, may proceed with due caution when it is safe to do so.

According to the AJC, eight states currently have similar legislation on the books that gives motorcyclists a legal option when faced with an unresponsive sensor.  However, the House Rules Committee hasn’t brought the bill up for a vote yet.  Why?  From the AJC…

“The traffic laws apply to motorcyclists and to cyclists,” said Rep. Wendell Willard, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. “I have concern about letting any group break the statute.”

So…what happens when the current infrastructure doesn’t apply to your form of transportation?  Sit at an intersection in protest for a new sensor to be installed?  Or turn around and take an alternate non-sensor route?  I’m all for everyone following the same rules of the road, but this “concern” doesn’t address the real issue being brought up here.

Sarene wrote in this morning looking for the latest Decatur Playbook so she could get info on all the Decatur summer camps being offered this year.  Active Living’s Cheryl Burnette let us know it was already available at the Rec Center and would be available online by this afternoon.  And true to her word, here it is!

Click the Playbook above to go straight to the full PDF.

Let’s settle this once and for all. 

CL’s Thomas Wheatley pointed out yesterday that in coming up with transportation projects to propose for the 2012 one-cent sales tax transportation referendum, Beltline project planners “have made the radical decision to veer from the Beltline’s familiar leaf-shaped loop and propose a transit spur into Midtown and downtown.”

One connects the Beltline to the already federally funded “TIGER Streetcar”, which goes all the way to Centennial Park.  The other option up in Midtown has transit along North Avenue connecting to the North Ave. MARTA station.

Segments currently under consideration are in RED on the map above.  Here’s a bit more detail on these projects from Wheatley…

Among the concepts under consideration: Light-rail from southwest Atlanta to Georgia Tech; Streetcars zipping from Midtown to Piedmont Park and north toward Lindbergh; and a transit line that, in addition to linking with the downtown streetcar, would connect Glenwood Park to the Bank of America Plaza.

Wheatley speculates that planners picked up these new segments to impress the state and local officials who are tasked with coming up with the final list of transportation projects that will be included in the Atlanta region referendum.

Lots more maps and detail in Wheatley’s post.  It’s a good ‘un!  And if you’re really up for some wonk, check out the Beltline presentation on the subject HERE!

From Decatur Commissioner Patti Garrett via the Oakhurst Message Board…

The City’s annual Touch-A-Truck event will be this Saturday, March 5 from 10am-1pm. This is a popular event for kids (and adults!) Please see details below:

• Touch-A-Truck
• Date: 3/5/2011 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Cost: FREE
• Location: Callaway Parking Lot

(next to the Saturday morning Decatur Farmer’s Market!)