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DLNR: Bikes prohibited on Beach Road Pathway
DLNR to install warning signs along pathway
The Department of Land and Natural Resources will soon be cracking down on people who ride bicycles on the Beach Road Pathway.
DLNR reminded the public and bicycle enthusiasts yesterday that riding bicycles on the Pathway is prohibited. Augustine “Gus” M. Kaipat, special assistant to the DLNR Secretary, said they are hoping to install warning signs by next week “just to inform everyone that it’s not allowed.”
Kaipat said their job is to maintain and clean the pathway and that police officers are in charge of enforcing the law.
To increase safety for pedestrians in the area, DLNR is tasked with discouraging bicycle riding on the pathway, which has prompted complaints from those who walk or jog on the Pathway.
In its public notice, DLNR cites Title 9 of the Commonwealth Code Division 5, Article 2, Section 5755(b) that states “A person may not ride a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk, pathway, or across a highway upon and along a crosswalk, where the use of bicycles is prohibited by official traffic signs.”
DLNR did not indicate what’s the penalty for violating this law.
On June 14, 2002, then-governor Juan N. Babauta signed House Bill 14-153 into Public Law 14-13, which amends Title 9, Division 5, Article 2, Section 5755(b) to include the word “Pathway.”
The 14th Legislature found that several accidents have occurred along the Beach Road Pathway due to bicycling.
On Nov. 11, 2003, the Northern Marianas Housing Corp. issued a notice of advisory, advising the public that bicycling on the Beach Road Pathway is prohibited and poses a threat to children and adults who are jogging or walking.
Kaipat said he does not know whether the previous signs were destroyed as there were two super typhoons that has struck Saipan in the last few years.
