Our bill passed out of judiciary committee. Back to 4 foot passing requirement but attempt to add repeal of far to right failed. Great work Gary Zuckett! Yes, more to be done but again the dialogue and awareness/visibility of cycling issues has been incredible. Thanks to all of you for making calls and sending emails. On to the Senate!
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 29, 2013, at 9:25 AM, "Steve Fowler" SMF@pffwv.com wrote:
That is a tremendously helpful animation. It would be nice to have a chance to show that to a naysayer.
From: Frank Gmeindl [mailto:fgmeindl@gmail.com] Sent: Friday, March 29, 2013 7:44 AM To: barbaraf@wvhouse.gov Cc: Gary Zuckett; Bike Board; Tom Heywood; Gail Pitchford; Charles Holley; Andrea Salina; Greg Garrett; Kasey Russell; Stacy Bisker; Tom Wood; Dennis A Strawn; John Manchester; Christiaan Abildso; Emily Vasile; Patrick Donovan; Steve Fowler; Patricia Clay; Ted Armbrecht; Michael Loughney; Jeffrey Lusk; Rahul Gupta; Andrea Salina; Craig Slaughter Subject: HB 3021
Barbara,
Please repeal 17C-11-5 (a) that requires bicyclists to ride as far to the right as practicable.
Today, the Judiciary Committee will consider HB 3021. As introduced, HB 3021 repealed 17C-11-5 (a). The Transportation and Roads Committee amended HB 3021 and reinstated 17C-11-5 (a).
I've attached a one-page summary of the dangers that riding far to the right as required by 17C-11-5 (a) present to bicyclists. Basically, when cyclists ride too far right on narrow roads, motorists pass dangerously close; intrude into the on-coming lane when there is on-coming traffic; make right turns into cyclists at driveways and intersections; run into cyclists from behind when the cyclists turn left from the right side of the lane; turn left into on-coming cyclists that they don't see because they are screened by overtaking traffic and broken pavement, potholes, broken glass, debris and other hazards that are prevalent at the edge of the road cause bicyclists to crash.
The one-minute animation at http://commuteorlando.com/ontheroad/animations/narrowlane/narrowlane.html shows what happens when a cyclist rides too far right in narrow lanes.
I've also attached a detailed analysis that shows how 17C-11-5 (a) contradicts and confounds other laws. A fundamental issue underlying this and other such laws that discriminate against bicyclists is equal rights and justice for bicyclists, motorists and other road users.
I will call you to discuss this issue. If you would like to call me, my number is 304-376-0446.
Thanks for your continued support of bicyclists!