by cbdcourier-107 | Oct 31, 2017 | Advocacy
Louisville cyclist Jackie Green declares victory over challenge to bike lanes, stoplights Source: James Bruggers, Courier Journal Published 1:27 p.m. ET Oct. 31, 2017 City official says cyclists still need to follow traffic rules (Photo: Amber Sigman/Special to The Courier-Journal) STORY HIGHLIGHTS Two-year-old case ends after Jackie Green takes traffic safety class Independent mayoral candidate objects to bike lanes. Prosecutors have dropped two traffic violations against bicyclist Jackie Green, who has for two years fought charges of running a red light and blocking motor vehicles by not using a designated bike lane. Green had sought to make his case a broader appeal for a more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly approach to transportation in Louisville, and on Tuesday, he declared a total victory – even as he acknowledged one charge was dropped only after he agreed to take a traffic safety class. “The case established two big wins for the cycling community,” Green said. “The first win acknowledged that cyclists do not have to use bicycle lanes. The second win established that cyclists may take measures at intersections to increase their safety, regardless the color of the traffic signal.” Josh Abner, the spokesman for the county attorney’s office, acknowledged that prosecutors were not able to meet requirements for a successful charge of obstructing a road. That left the traffic light charge, which he said was eligible for dismissal following participation in a driver safety program. Green participated in the program, and upon its completion, that traffic light charge was dropped. Abner also pointed to a ruling in the case a year ago by Judge Eric Haner that found cyclists were not exempt from the charges. Regardless, Green...
