Bike Fed makes its legislative push
Steven Elbow, a Madison courts reporter and cyclist, delivers the news on a legislative effort by the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin to simplify laws governing bike riding in the state.
As Elbow explains, it's a rare example of bipartisanship in the state's capitol.
I mean, how many times can you find the name of uber-liberal Mark Pocan on the same piece of legislation as right-wing firebrand Glenn Grothman?"
Here's what the law would do: allow cyclists to signal with either hand (right now it's only allowed with the left), use studded snow tires, and dispense with the rear reflector if they use a red light.
That's right, as the law now reads, no matter how blindingly bright a cyclist's rear light, it must be complemented by a reflector.
Kevin Hardman, the Bike Fed's executive director, acknowledges in the piece that the issues are relatively minor. It's a chance to gain traction for a bigger fight to come: a vulnerable users law that would increase the minimum penalty for a motorist who commits a traffic violation and injures or kills a biker, pedestrian or other protected user.
In their lobbying, the advocates will have far too many recent deaths to make their case.
15 Comments for "Bike Fed makes its legislative push"
It seems like there is more of an agenda to the "vulnerable cyclists" legislation than protection of cyclists.
One last comment: as a pedestrian, I have been in at least two situations where a cyclist using a sidewalk in a reckless manner nearly caused me great bodily harm.
remarque2 Sep 22, 2011 2:22 PM
sharpie Sep 22, 2011 2:42 PM
ride no evo Sep 22, 2011 3:27 PM
mytifine Sep 22, 2011 4:56 PM
If, for no other reason, a license hanging from the back of the seat allows a person to know who to report to the police.
remarque2 Sep 22, 2011 5:59 PM
BUT, the reflector on the rear is important because it will still alert traffic if the red light burns out. Another big safety issue is the reflector built in to the pedals. Those literally wink (when pedaling) at approaching traffic and should be on all bicycles. They helped me avoid a bicycle one foggy, rainy night. He must have been coasting as I approached then started to pedal just as I drew near. That was when I saw the reflectors on the pedals. He wasn't next to the curb, probably in an effort to avoid potholes and dangerous grilles that can throw a cyclist. I managed to swerve out to the center and miss the rider. There were no other reflectors or lights on that bicycle so it was the pedals that caught my eye. Had there been a reflector on the fender or seat I would have seen it much sooner.
Red lights are a good addition, but they only work when they work. Reflectors don't need batteries.
fedup1946 Sep 22, 2011 7:57 PM
UNCLEZ Sep 22, 2011 9:01 PM
hassmer Sep 22, 2011 9:42 PM
hassmer Sep 22, 2011 9:45 PM
hassmer Sep 22, 2011 9:48 PM
hassmer Sep 22, 2011 9:52 PM
Dooring if you don't know, is when a automobile driver exits their car or a pedestrian walks out into the street and opens a car door in front of a bike or car. This not the same as a pedestrian walking in crosswalk as many think.
hassmer Sep 22, 2011 9:59 PM
hassmer Sep 22, 2011 10:03 PM
remarque2- how would you propse this bike road test be completed, who would be subject to it, and who would pay for all the admin costs to maintain the system? I dont think the DMV has a surplus of $$ these days.
ride no evo Sep 23, 2011 1:39 PM