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Bike Fed makes its legislative push

Posted by Tom Held of the Journal Sentinel on Sept. 22, 2011

cycling, advocacy

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"

  1. Cyclists wishing to share streets and roads with the motor vehicles that belong on them need to license their two wheeled vehicles and obey the laws that are required of motor vehicles. Cyclists should probably have to take a road test that indicates that they are aware of the laws applying to vehicles using paved streets and roads.

    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

  2. I always thought that it is really weird to indicate with the left hand that you are going to turn right. Does anyone know where this rule comes from? So, yes, those changes make some sense even though they are fairly irrelevant since barely anyone knew about them anyway. If this helps to get some of the lawmakers united for "bigger fishes to fry" why not. The vulnerable user law is clearly needed looking at how negligent drivers get easily away with killing cyclists through the last few years.

    sharpie Sep 22, 2011 2:42 PM

  3. So a 13 y/o kid in middle school should have to register his bike to get to school? Who would handle this and at what age would your road test be required, because in most areas you cant ride on the sidewalk if you are over age 12?

    ride no evo Sep 22, 2011 3:27 PM

  4. I believe using the left arm for both turns comes from auto rules; until the 'blinker' made arm signals almost obsolete, a driver could only use his/her left arm for making arm signals out of the window. Younger drivers have never used arm signals. I think it's easier to see the right arm when making a right turn on a bicycle. All of these changes are minor, but as said, good steps to take.

    mytifine Sep 22, 2011 4:56 PM

  5. This may come as a shock to you, but bikes used to have to be licensed. The fee was small, but any full-sized bike required a license.

    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

  6. So it's still ok for them to impede traffic, blow through red lights and stop signs at full speed?

    blitherer Sep 22, 2011 7:54 PM

  7. Most of it makes sense to me.
    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

  8. It's time Steven Elbow trains bikers on the rules of the road along with passing this bill.

    UNCLEZ Sep 22, 2011 9:01 PM

  9. everything but the two handed signaling. That is too confusing when in traffic, it is counterproductive and will end in more injury and death. Don't pass this part...

    hassmer Sep 22, 2011 9:42 PM

  10. where have you been. this is nothing new and it is not a problem for a kid to take his bike to the police station and register it. It should be a friendship op for police, kid and the community at large. Maybe soften the hostility a little.

    hassmer Sep 22, 2011 9:45 PM

  11. no your wrong. think about it a minute, we drive on the right side and making a right turn hides the arm and in traffic is difficult to see. it is counterproductive.

    hassmer Sep 22, 2011 9:48 PM

  12. your absolutly right but this depth of thinking is not available to most ppl who gravitate to bicycles. Ya I know it isn't that deep. LOL

    hassmer Sep 22, 2011 9:52 PM

  13. On the bicyclist side, the laws against "DOORING" should be stiffened.

    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

  14. Sharpie your not to sharp. You just exposed your ignorance of the rules of driving a car.

    hassmer Sep 22, 2011 10:03 PM

  15. I am not schocked, and I knew that I used to have a little metal plate hanging from my bike as a kid. Cities dont have the metal plates due to cost and have gone to a free sticker system. The CIty of Milwaukee did away with requiring registration completely, its now voluntary and requires internet access. Bikes are used as transport by lots of poor folks and charging them to register would further their poverty.

    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

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