North Texas Town Limits Cycling Packs

BARTONVILLE, Texas - Some North Texas bicyclists have launched an online petition after one local town enacted an ordinance limiting the number of riders in a pack. In the Denton County town of Bartonville, more than 10 riders in one pack is too many.

Bartonville is a small rural town of about 2,000 people just south of Denton. Leaders said they approved the ordinance because they just want to make sure that cyclists obey the laws of the state and the town.

Mayor Ron Robertson said the town isn't trying to stop cyclists or cycling groups. In fact, he said cyclists can still apply for a permit to ride in large groups.

But It's about getting groups to respect the town. He said before the ordinance many cyclists would run stop signs and simply abuse the town laws.

"They would come by city hall and park their vehicles on the weekends. When they were done riding through Bartonville and the surrounding rural areas they would actually go behind our town hall and use it as a bathroom," Robertson said.

Now the mayor said when a group obtains a permit the town can accommodate them.

"We can have our police on duty. We can stop traffic if necessary," he said.

Many cycling enthusiasts think the ordinance is unnecessary.

Warren Casteel, a member of the group Bike DFW, said his organization went to Bartonville this past weekend to pass out cards on proper behavior.

"I think the key is for everybody to get along, work together and realize that each other has a right to be there," he said. "We all pay taxes. Under Texas law we all are legitimate road users. And all of the users have the same rights to the road."

Bike DFW and Bike Texas have posted an online petition that opposes laws and ordinances that prohibit or constrain bicycles on Texas roadways. It's to prevent other cities from enacting similar restrictions like the one in Bartonville.

So far the petition has more than 2,000 signatures.