April 24, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 7 Ridgewood Introduction of bicycle ordinance sparks concerns by John Koster The introduction of an ordinance to prohibit placing and securing bicycles within public rights of way sparked complaints from Ridgewood bicyclists who said the village needs more secure bike racks near the railroad station -- and more considerate motorists. As introduced, the ordinance would prohibit securing bicycles to fixed objects other than established bicycle racks within the public rights of way so as to cause an impediment to pedestrians or to vehicular traffic. The ordinance provides for a written warning in the first instance, followed by a fine not to exceed $25 for any subsequent violation. Bicycles secured except to established bicycle racks would be removed by the Ridgewood Police Department and owners who recover the removed bicycles would pay a fine not to exceed $50, plus storage costs. NBCUA given more favorable bond rating (continued from page 6) weighted average credit quality of the participating municipalities.” He explained that the bonds are secured by the full faith and credit of their participating municipalities and emphasized the credit rating for several of these municipalities. Hurwitz also pointed out that it is the credit worthiness of NBCUA’s member municipalities that makes it possible for the authority to finance capital projects at low interest rates, which benefits all parties involved. The NBCUA service area’s population of 75,000 represents eight percent of Bergen County, according to Moody’s. The service pointed to the area as a highly desirable location, which also gains benefits from proximity to employment centers, including the New York City metropolitan area. The authority’s system is reportedly in compliance with all state and federal regulatory requirements, Moody’s added. “I beg you please to start ticketing people who don’t stop for the crosswalks,” said Kathy Hecht, a local bicyclist who said she had almost been struck by cars twice in the same day before the April 10 council meeting. She said one of the cars that almost hit her had run through a red light, but said a police officer who saw the car narrowly miss her had not written a ticket. Leonard Diamond, another bicyclist, offered to confer with the council to make sure bike racks would enable cyclists to pedal to the railroad station and be able to leave their bikes behind safe and secure. “Every bike parked at the station represents one less commuter drop into the train the station,” Diamond said. The bicyclists said cycling should be encouraged because it is healthy and reduces the need for downtown parking, a chronic problem in parts of Ridgewood. Some motorists -- and members of the previous Ridgewood Village Council -- had conversely asked bicyclists to show more concern for the needs of motorists and to bike in single file and not pedal in long streams, especially on weekend excursions. A public hearing on the bike ordinance will be held on May 8.