BAC October 2005 News & Digest

Hello BICYCLE ACCESS COUNCIL members,

It's a beautiful day in Pennsylvania!

"MAY I SEE YOUR ID, PLEASE"...

When you hear this, it usually means you’re being asked to produce your Driver’s License (DL). How many bicyclists carry a valid Driver’s License while operating a bicycle? Not me.

I have been carrying an expired DL, for identification purposes only, in my "Bike Wallet" since there’s no legal requirement to carry a valid one. Hey, that’s my picture and basic information, Right?

Well, I’ve been challenged twice at two different bank branches recently where I have accounts for having an "expired" DL. After being challenged, I got my transactions done by pointing out that only law enforcement and PennDOT can require a valid DL for operating a motor vehicle. Security measures only need to assure bank personnel that customers are who they say they are.

Well, here’s an easy alternative ID for Pennsylvania bicyclists with a valid driver’s license--an identification card. It costs $10 and can be issued within two weeks of mailing a form to PennDOT.

The form is DL-81 (5-03) and can be picked up at any Driver Licensing Center or downloaded from PennDOT's website: 

On the form, check the Other block on the application and write in "ID needed while operating a bicycle."

You'll get a card that looks very similar to your current DL with the same photo. It is good for four years from date of issue, so it does not expire when your DL does.

RAIN DROPS KEEP FALLING ON MY HEAD...

This October seems to be a particularly wet month, so here's is a bit of whimsy that is meant to brighten your days. Enjoy!

RAIN

It rained and it rained and rained and rained 

The average fall was well maintained 

And when the tracks were simply bogs 

It started raining cats and dogs.

After a drought of half an hour

We had a most refreshing shower

And then the most curious thing of all

A gentle rain began to fall.

Next day was also fairly dry

Save for the deluge from the sky

Which wetted the party to the skin

And after that the rain set in.

Anonymous--from a post card purchased in England, 1998 

OUR MISSION...

The Bicycle Access Council is a non-profit advocacy organization that serves as a forum for Pennsylvania bicyclists and as an ombudsman for bicycling issues.

It is the objective of the Bicycle Access Council to make bicycling on roads throughout the Commonwealth safe, respectable and a transportation choice by educating its members and the motoring public.

All funding for the Bicycle Access Council comes from memberships and donations.  Annual membership is $20 per year.  Forms are available on the website. BAC does not share membership information.

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Joe Stafford, Executive Director

Bicycle Access Council

Dallastown, PA

www.BicycleAccess-PA.org