Bicycle Board Members,
This morning, I participated by telephone in a meeting in Charleston of a forming BikeWV legislative committee. The committee decided to pursue legislation to change WV code 17C-1-2 that defines "vehicle". Currently, 17C-1-2 explicitly excludes "devices moved by human power". The committee will draft a change that explicitly includes bicycles in the definition of "vehicle". Then, they will meet with representatives of the WVDOH, the Governor, some State and local police, and congressmen Oliverio and Foster to identify any pockets of resistance to the change.
The following attended the meeting:
* Kim Broughton - BikeWV coordinator * Steve Fowler - Lawyer, proponent of 3-foot passing law * Dennis Strawn - Charleston bicycling advocate * John Francis - Greenbrier Bicycling Club and active bicycling political advocate * Todd West - WVDOH * Bill Nottingham - Owner of Charleston bike shop and former tobacco lobbyist * Greg Garrett - Blennerhassett Bicycle Club * Frank Gmeindl - Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board, League Cycling Instructor
As you know, the meeting was preceded by a bike commute from Scott Depot to Charleston. Among the 6 participants were Rich Warner and Perry Keller, both employees of WVDOT and members of the Greater Morgantown MPO TAC. Where they could, they rode on shoulders and sidewalks. Paul Maddox, WVDOT Secretary offered to provide a SAG vehicle for the ride.
Frank /Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles/