Kasey,
Looking ahead assuming HB 3021 passes the House, if we can't get the senate to repeal 17C-11-5 (a) (Far to the Right), perhaps we can get them to amend it to add the exceptions that are in the Uniform Vehicle Code Section 11-1205. Position on roadway and that 33 states have included approximately in their FTR rule. (See pp. 8-25 of WV Connecting Communities Legislative Agenda: Proposed Bicycle Legislation Changes.)
If the senate will not repeal 17C-11-5 (a), a recommended fall back position could be to replace the current 17C-11-5 (a) with the following:
Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the condition then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations: 1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction. 2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. 3. When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions including but not limited to: fixed or moving objects; parked or moving vehicles; bicycles; pedestrians; animals; surface hazards; or sub-standard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge. For purposes of this section, a “sub-standard width lane” is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane. 4. When riding in the right-turn-only lane.
Such an amendment could mitigate most of the risks (see attached talking points) to which the current FTR language subjects bicyclists.
Please feel free to open this up to our complete distribution list. I didn't do so because I didn't want to create confusion if you and/or Gary don't think this recommendation makes sense.
Frank
On Apr 2, 2013, at 5:56 PM, Kasey wrote:
My contacts in the House are telling me that. I will ask Gary to send you his thoughts. There was debate in the two committee meetings and Gary did take some notes.
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 2, 2013, at 5:30 PM, Frank Gmeindl fgmeindl@gmail.com wrote:
Kasey,
I don't want to make work for you but how can I learn what is the "major opposition" to the repealing the Far to the Right section? Is the discussion recorded somewhere that I could read or listen to?
Frank
On Apr 2, 2013, at 3:58 PM, Kasey Russell wrote:
Hello WV Connecting Communities Members and a few others -- Gary Zuckett has let me know that our Bike Bill as it is being called is on third reading on the House of Delegates floor tomorrow. As of now, HB3021 has a four-foot passing requirement for motorists and repeals the mandatory bike path language. The far to the right repeal that we want in the bill was not amended back in and faces major opposition. Again, I am very happy with the dialogue this bill has created regarding cycling in our state. And, not just for recreation but a dialogue about biking to work, school, and errands. The bill is expected to pass the House but it is always nice for your Delegates to hear from their constituents. If you have a minute or two and feel comfortable calling your Delegate, now is the time to do so :). I will keep you posted on what happens tomorrow and the plan for the Senate. If any of you have a Complete Streets update, please let me know. I know Gary was hoping to help get this on the Transportation committee agenda in the House but not sure the status. Thanks everyone, kasey <TalkingPointsHB3021_KR_2.docx>