Nov 3, 2023 | 2nd VP - Security, Neighborhood News
Bicyclists are required to utilize the roadway following the same rules-of-the-road as motorized vehicles. An obstruction like a pothole, parked vehicle or other unsafe condition requires a cyclist to go further out in the street to avoid the hazard. This is the primary reason the Deed Restrictions (contract) limit owners from parking vehicles in the street. In some municipalities, riding a bike on a sidewalk is forbidden.
Persons riding a bike in a roadway must follow the rules of the road.
It is very important to teach our children the rules of the road when allowing them to use the street. Biking against traffic may result in an unfortunate accident as drivers are not prepared while looking left at oncoming traffic when turning right. A driver looking left at traffic may delay seeing the cyclist riding on the left side of the road. This situation is one of the most common accidents for a bicyclist using the wrong side of the road.
All persons riding a bicycle in the road must obey all traffic laws (hmm said that 3 times). We have seen the cyclist (Champion Forest Drive) who has ignored several stop signs or a traffic signal. Most cyclist do not survive an encounter with a vehicle.
DRIVERS TO EXERCISE DUE CARE when operating a vehicle near pedestrians and bicyclist using the road. A pedestrian and a bicyclist have the same rights to use the road. Bike lanes are becoming common. especially in neighborhoods and cities. When there is a designated bike lane in a roadway, drivers need to be aware when a cyclist may have the right-of-way. Texas Guide to safe bicycling
The laws have been updated to clarify the rights of bicyclists using the roadways in Texas. Those who ride bikes have learned the importance to be seen by a driver much further away. It is far better for a cyclist to safely ride in the roadway lane and move to the right when a vehicle approaches. When a cyclists is too close to the curb, a driver may not anticipate the cyclist avoiding debris or obstacles that are typically nearer the curb. Riding in the lane to be seen and moving closer to the right curb allows time for vehicles to plan and pass safely. When riding in the lane to be seen far away, motorist tend to slow down and passed safely. Some motorists may yell profanity and honk their horns as they pass. At least I know they saw me and fortunately never ended up in a ditch.
References:
Sec. 551.101. RIGHTS AND DUTIES. (a) A person operating a bicycle has the rights and duties applicable to a driver operating a vehicle under this subtitle, unless: (1) a provision of this chapter alters a right or duty; or (2) a right or duty applicable to a driver operating a vehicle cannot by its nature apply to a person operating a bicycle. (b) A parent of a child or a guardian of a ward may not knowingly permit the child or ward to violate this subtitle.
Sec. 551.103. OPERATION ON ROADWAY. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person operating a bicycle on a roadway who is moving slower than the other traffic on the roadway shall ride as near as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway, unless: (1) the person is passing another vehicle moving in the same direction; (2) the person is preparing to turn left at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway; (3) a condition on or of the roadway, including a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, pedestrian, animal, or surface hazard prevents the person from safely riding next to the right curb or edge of the roadway; or (4) the person is operating a bicycle in an outside lane that is: (A) less than 14 feet in width and does not have a designated bicycle lane adjacent to that lane; or (B) too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to safely travel side by side. (b) A person operating a bicycle on a one-way roadway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near as practicable to the left curb or edge of the roadway. (c) Persons operating bicycles on a roadway may ride two abreast. Persons riding two abreast on a laned roadway shall ride in a single lane. Persons riding two abreast may not impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic on the roadway. Persons may not ride more than two abreast unless they are riding on a part of a roadway set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles.
Sec. 551.104. SAFETY EQUIPMENT. (a) A person may not operate a bicycle unless the bicycle is equipped with a brake capable of making a braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. b) A person may not operate a bicycle at nighttime unless the bicycle is equipped with: (1) a lamp on the front of the bicycle that emits a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet in front of the bicycle; and (2) on the rear of the bicycle: (A) a red reflector that is: (i) of a type approved by the department; and (ii) visible when directly in front of lawful upper beams of motor vehicle headlamps from all distances from 50 to 300 feet to the rear of the bicycle; or (B) a lamp that emits a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear of the bicycle.
Nov 2, 2023 | 2nd VP - Security, Neighborhood News
The sidewalks in Memorial Northwest were provided by Harris County and the Municipal Utility District. These sidewalks were placed to serve Theiss Elementary and Doerre Intermediate Schools providing access along Champion Forest Drive and Theiss Mail Route Road. Pedestrians are required to use the sidewalk when it is accessible.
When there is no sidewalk, pedestrians are required to utilize the roadway facing oncoming traffic, unless the roadway is obstructed or unsafe. An obstruction is usually a parked vehicle requiring a pedestrian to either go further out in the street or take their chances walking on the grass. This is the primary reason the Deed Restrictions (contract) limit owners from parking vehicles in the street.
Most of the neighborhood does not have sidewalks, thus adults and children may be present. The average breaking distance for a vehicle traveling at 30 mph is 89 feet. At this speed, avoiding a child when the roadway is obstructed may be difficult. The driver is required to use DUE CARE when pedestrians are present. Due care may include driving below the posted speed limit.
References:
Sec. 552.006. USE OF SIDEWALK. (a) A pedestrian may not walk along and on a roadway if an adjacent sidewalk is provided and is accessible to the pedestrian. (b) If a sidewalk is not provided, a pedestrian walking along and on a highway shall walk on the left side of the roadway or the shoulder of the highway facing oncoming traffic, unless the left side of the roadway or the shoulder of the highway facing oncoming traffic is obstructed or unsafe.
Sec. 552.008. DRIVERS TO EXERCISE DUE CARE. Notwithstanding another provision of this chapter, the operator of a vehicle shall: (1) exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian on a roadway; (2) give warning by sounding the horn when necessary; and (3) exercise proper precaution on observing a child or an obviously confused or incapacitated person on a roadway.
Oct 17, 2023 | Neighborhood News
Twenty-three years ago, my family settled in Memorial Northwest because of the location of our church, the best rated schools and being close to work. Having four kids required enough space to periodically seek refuge from the normal chaos of a thriving family. Memorial Northwest homes were built for families to thrive and prosper. We were fortunate to grow up in a safe, family friendly neighborhood where you knew your neighbors. When we settled in, we were visited by Eleanor Naremore providing us with a welcome basket and in her Texan drawl told us what we could and could not do in our HOA. I was so astounded by the politeness of her words even though I may have been rebuked for something I did or didn’t do. I don’t recall and I am grateful to have known Eleanor and her passion throughout the years.
Despite the home problems revealed in the first month, the new roof, plumbing and electrical repairs were just the beginning of our home ownership. Neglect is not an option as I was reminded of the quotes by Sir Robert Baden-Powel.
Sir Robert Baden-Powell was considered the founder of Scouting. His simple two-character traits ring true and are worth living by: “Leave this world a little better than you found it” and “We never fail when we try to do our duty, we always fail when we neglect to do it.” Today, finding selfless volunteers is challenging as criticism prevails on social platforms. This makes it hard to start doing big things.
The Facility Strategy Committee of 2010 developed the master plan we see today at the Community Center property. Volunteers like Oran Woody, Rick Harris, Tim McWilliams, Eileen Koscho, Connie Shinaver, Joe Bond and others volunteered many hours and endured some criticism before this vision became a reality. A testament to making things better than when you found them.
The completion of the aquatics center was many years later, well after my children had grown and left home. Perhaps one day my grandchildren may have the opportunity to enjoy the pool at Memorial Northwest. Melissa and I have moved back to New Orleans to be near family as my parents are up in age. Memorial Northwest is the best place to raise a family, but the home is too big for just two. We leave our neighborhood and house much better than we found it.
Our community leaders with Jay Jackson, Kelley Minor and Ryan Aduddell have many years of experience to help keep us moving forward. Our Board Members are dedicated to the mission preserving property values and enhancing the quality of life. We will periodically visit to see how life continues to be better in Memorial Northwest.
Jul 27, 2023 | Neighborhood News
Membership to the Memorial Northwest Homeowners Association is mandatory for all property owners within the jurisdiction of the Association. Most members forget the rights they have as members and the responsibilities expected. The mission of every owner is to preserve property values and enhance the quality of life.
Being a member provides you the right to request a lawsuit to be filed for violating the restrictions. The volunteer Board of Directors attempt to do this on your behalf, yet some may not be observed or recorded adequately. You may participate by emailing your Area Director or Third Vice President by submitting photographs with date/time and a brief description of the violation.
Today we currently have 151 properties (8%) in the legal process for not paying assessments or to correct neglect on their property.
The owners who failed to pay the assessment automatically go to legal for court ordered foreclosure sale. Several properties are going to constable sale in the near future to help recover necessary funding.
The owners who have neglected property, lawsuits are filed to have a judge order the owner to correct the negligence. These properties will also be ordered to reimburse the Association for reasonable expenses.
Don’t forget, paying assessment provide funding for great amenities as well as to protect your property values.
Stay involved!
Jul 25, 2023 | Neighborhood News
We need two volunteer homeowners to participate on the Nomination Committee for the upcoming 2024 Election for the President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Director Area 2, Director Area 4 and Director Area 6.
The goal of the Nomination Committee is to simply ensure there is at least one volunteer nominated for each position for the upcoming 2024 election cycle. The nomination committee work concludes on Tuesday, September 5 at the Membership Meeting scheduled for 7 PM.
Please send your email request to be part of the nomination committee to greg.schindler@mnwhoa.org
Recent Comments