Over the weekend I contacted the members of the Transportation, Public Safety, and Homeland Security Committee regarding the removal of language requiring a minimum 3-foot passing for bicycles from HB 145. This morning I received a response from the chair of the committees office (Rep. Damschroeder), and they indicated that the legislations sponsor, Rep. Henne, may be interested in having constituents testify on behalf of the legislation. If anyone would like to do similarly, here are the e-mail addresses of the members of the committee and Rep. Henne. [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] [email protected] (Rep. Henne) The e-mail I sent follows if anyone would like a template: To the members of the Transportation, Public Safety, and Homeland Security committee, I am writing to express my extreme disappointment in the removal of language requiring a safe passing distance for bicycles from HB 145. As reported by WCMH (nbc4i/story/25060438/bike-passing-legislation-to-be-withdrawn), the language was removed as a result of opponent testimony, however I have been unable to find any indication on the General Assemblys websites that this bill received testimony before the committee at all. I hope that this is only a matter of delay in posting the record of the testimony. However, I am also completely stymied as to why this common sense legislation would be opposed at all. 22 states and the District of Columbia have all passed similar legislation, and as an experienced cyclist I can attest to the need for this legislation. Just yesterday I was buzzed by a vehicle well within 3 feet of me; and sadly another experienced cyclist, Joe Giampapa, just lost his life this past weekend as a result of a vehicle attempting to pass him too closely. There is no question in my mind that this legislation serves an immediate need. As a cyclist, I am looking for the State to uphold my rights as a slow-moving vehicle on the road, and make a statement to motorists across Ohio that cyclists should be treated with caution and respect on the road. This simple legislation could have easily sent the message to motorists that as the operators of 3000 pounds of metal, they have an obligation to take care of a human life that is a fraction of their size. This will also give law enforcement officials an additional tool to address unsafe behaviors on the road, particularly as they put human lives in danger. Before the end of this legislative session I beg you to reconsider this decision and send a clear message to motorists across the state that a human life is more important than having to wait to pass a cyclists at a safe distance. Thank you for your consideration.
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 14:34:04 +0000
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