Missouri Bicycle News

Here is a summary of the bicycle/pedestrian safety legislation that has recently been filed by Senator Engler. Parallel legislation will soon be filed in the House.

SB 372 - This act provides for various measures relating to bicycle safety and the duties owed to bicyclists by motorists.

DESIGNATED BICYCLE LANES - The act establishes a definition for bicycle lanes and provides bicycle-friendly regulation for the lanes. Bicycle lanes cannot be blocked. Automobiles must yield to bicyclists in the lane before entering it.

AVOIDING COLLISION WITH A BICYCLIST OR PEDESTRIAN - Under this act, when passing a bicyclist or pedestrian, a motorist is required to leave a safe distance, not less than three feet, between the motor vehicle and the bicycle. Failure to comply with this provision is an infraction unless an accident occurs (Class C misdemeanor).

DEFINITION OF BICYCLE - This act modifies the definition of bicycle to include adult tricycles and quadracycles, which are becoming more and more popular.

RIDING ON SHOULDERS - The act provides that bicyclists may (but are NOT required to) ride on the shoulder when a shoulder is available (current MO law technically prohibits any vehicle, including bicycles, from traveling on the shoulder). It also provides that bicyclists riding on the shoulder must ride with, not against, traffic flow.

BIKE HAND SIGNALS - The act provides that bicyclists need not signal continuously if the hand is needed to control the bicycle. Bicyclists may use the right arm may be used to signal a right turn.

Full bill text and other details are available here.

You may know that MOBikeFed's legislative strategy this year is to pursue a group of noncontroversial safety provisions. In future years we plan to tackle some of the more ambitious elements of our stated legislative platform, including motorist education, greater penalties for those who injure or kill while driving, and "complete streets"

The complete MOBikeFed legislative platform is here.

Related:

News: MOBikeFed announces legislative platform

News: Springfield uses electronic speed boards to slow traffic near schools

News: St. Louis Bicycle Federation supports MoBikeFed fund raising drive

permanent link to article: "What is in the 2005 Missouri bike/ped safety legislation?"
posted by Brent Hugh at 2/19/2005 10:35:29 AM |comment on this article