After years of behind the scenes bike advocacy work, the Burlington City Council unanimously approved two landmark items at a marathon 5 hour meeting on Sept 13 -- a resolution establishing a Bike Path Task Force and ordinance revisions improving the city's bicycle laws.

1) A citizen Bike Path Task Force was formed and charged with updating the city's Bike Path Improvement Plan and recommending a funding method for getting the work done.  The path was built 25 years ago.  The path needs a comprehensive rehabilitation (widening, resurfacing, trailhead signs, intersection improvements) and the task force will draw attention to this important project and make it happen.  Many Burlington leaders want to serve on this task force including Bobby Miller, Peter Clavelle and Katharine Montstream.  Read the original resolution here (a few minor revisions from the Council meeting are not reflected in this copy). Read the Bike Path Improvement Plan here.

2) The new bike laws are a great improvement over the former patchwork of regulations.  One of the biggest victories is a 3-foot passing requirement for motorists overtaking bicyclists on city streets.  We hope that this will inspire the VT Legislature to consider strengthening State law to include such specific language.  It will take about 30 days for the new laws to become official. Check out all the details here. A huge thanks to volunteer Will Flender for making this happen!