Other articles by Andrea Kelly:

Bus ridership zooming Road Runner by Andrea Kelly : AAA urges pact to help teens drive more safely Grant Rd. may limit left turns Road Runner by Andrea Kelly : Cyclists and pedestrians need high visibility Speed-cam infraction can pack punch Road Runner by Andrea Kelly : The deadliest day on our roads? Election Day Waxman meets with local leaders on economic crisis Road Runner by Andrea Kelly : Heeding 'move over' law can save lives and ticket Residents get $1,000 back but still want roads paved Landscaping set to start at I-10- I-19 interchange

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The Pima County Department of Transportation is considering restricting the weight limit for vehicles driving on the North Dodge Boulevard bridge over the Rillito River.

Normally when we hear about weight limits on bridges, it's because the bridge no longer can carry those heavy vehicles and retain its structural integrity. It doesn't necessarily mean the bridge will fall down if a heavy truck drives on it, but that it could increase the rate at which it will deteriorate if the heaviest trucks continue using it.

This time is different; it's all about bicyclists.

Restricting the weight limit on the bridge at Dodge and directing heavier vehicles to the North Alvernon Way bridge over the Rillito would make more room for bicyclists.

Frankly, it makes sense for trucks to use the bigger, newer Alvernon bridge. The neighborhoods near Dodge have been trying to reduce traffic, and the reconstruction of River Road encourages drivers to use Alvernon anyway.

The project is under study as part of pedestrian improvements in the area, and if county officials decide to do it, could happen at the end of this year or early next year.

I'm not sure how many big trucks use that bridge. I guess that's what the county will figure out before the decision is made. I'm sure a lot of cyclists use the Dodge and Alvernon bridges because of their proximity to the Rillito River bike and pedestrian path.

If the weight restriction is added, it would be the first of its kind for bicyclists in the city or county.

I'm hitting the brakes on driving and kicking my oil habit. This week, instead of getting behind the wheel, I'll be getting on the bus. Next week, reporter Josh Brodesky will trade in his car keys for his bicycle.

We'll be chronicling our alternative transportation adventures on my blog, Gridlocked, an Internet detour where the writing is always smoother than fresh asphalt. Check it out and see how we fare through the heat and the rain, through bus transfers and bike lanes.

You can find the blog at go.azstarnet.com/gridlocked.

Question: "On weekends and evenings, do we need to drive the posted 25 miles per hour at construction sites when workers are not there? Is this in writing anyplace?" Robert Barskis wrote.

Answer: The posted speed limit is the one you have to follow. Often, construction zones require lower speeds even when it looks like no one is around because of other safety issues that remain during the work.

According to the Arizona Revised Statutes: "The maximum speed limit . . . is effective when appropriate signs giving notice of the maximum speed limit are erected."

Road Runner