Bicycles in Forsyth Park

Bicycle, resident and visitor usage has steadily increased in Forsyth Park for the last several years. The sidewalks have become congested with cyclists, pedestrians, runners, skateboarders and dog walkers. While all of this is indicative of an active public space, there have been instances of collisions, particularly with cyclists.

As it stands now the City of Savannah Code regarding bicycle usage (Division II, Appendix 1, Sec. 230 - Riding of on sidewalks prohibited) prohibits the riding of bicycles on sidewalks as follows:

“Internal sidewalk in Forsyth Park between the fountain and the southern limits of the old fort area.”

The proposed ordinance revision is to eliminate all foot propelled vehicles (such as bicycles, unicycles, tricycles, quadricycles and skateboards) from being operated on all walkways, sidewalks and pedestrian thoroughfares in and around Forsyth Park. The only exception would be children less than 12 years of age when supervised by an adult, provided they yield to pedestrians.

A public meeting will be held Thursday, January 14 at 6 p.m at the Savannah Civic Center Bryan Room to gather more feedback. If you have any questions, please contact the Park and Tree at 651-6610.

Existing Code: Division II, Part 7, Chapter 1, Article F

ARTICLE F. - BICYCLES, MOPEDS AND SKATEBOARDS

Sec. 7-1132. - bicycles and moped riding on certain sidewalks prohibited.

It shall be unlawful to ride bicycles and mopeds at any time on those sidewalks adjacent to those street as listed in section 230 of appendix I, which is hereby incorporated herein and made a part of this Code by reference, a copy of which shall be maintained on file in the office of the clerk of council and in the office of the city traffic engineer, except children under 12 years of age when supervised by an adult shall be permitted to ride bicycles on such sidewalks providing they yield to pedestrians.

(Ord. of January 22, 2004(3), § 1)

DIVISION II, APPENDIX 1- TRAFFFIC REGULATIONS

Sec. 230. - Riding of bicycle on sidewalks prohibited (see section 7-1132).

Broughton Street from Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to Lincoln Street.

Internal sidewalk in Forsyth Park between the fountain and the southern limits of the old fort area.

Squares located between Gaston Street and Bay Street and East Broad Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.

(Code 1977, § 231; Ord. of June 17, 1999, § 2)

Proposed Code: Division II - Part 7 -Chapter 1 - Article F

ARTICLE F. - FOOT-PROPELLED VEHICLES

Sec. 7-1132. - Prohibition on Operation of Foot-Propelled Vehicles on Certain Sidewalks.

It shall be unlawful to ride or operate any foot-propelled vehicle or device, including, but not limited to, unicycles, bicycles, tricycles, quadricycles and skateboards, at any time on the sidewalks, walkways or pedestrian thoroughfares listed in section 230 of Appendix I, which is hereby incorporated and made a part of this Code by reference, a copy of which shall be maintained on file in the office of the clerk of council and in the office of the city traffic engineer. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to foot-propelled vehicles ridden by children under 12 years of age when supervised by an adult, provided they yield to pedestrians.

a) For purposes of this Section “sidewalks, walkways and pedestrian thoroughfares” encompass paved routes upon which motorized vehicles may not be operated.

DIVISION II, APPENDIX I - TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

Sec. 230. Use of Foot-Propelled Vehicles on Sidewalks Prohibited (see section 7-1132). 

Broughton Street from Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to Lincoln Street.

All sidewalks, walkways and pedestrian thoroughfares situated within and those around the perimeter of Forsyth Park.

Squares located between Gaston Street and Bay Street and East Broad Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.