You are hereBad News on the Safe Passing Bill (SB 488)
Bad News on the Safe Passing Bill (SB 488)
Willa just forwarded me the following info on the Safe Passing Bill and I'm sorry to say that it's not good news:
Unfortunately, SB 488 has hit a snag. Robin Stallings (BikeTexas) called our office today, and I talked to him about the bill, which has hit a little snag in the Senate. Senators Patrick (Northwest Houston Area) and Shapiro (Plano area) have brought up concerns with the bill, and Senator Ellis has withdrawn the bill until the parties can discuss it further.
This is the list of people who have yet to promise a yes vote on the bill. If you're from their area, or think you might be (check here, bottom of the page: http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/Members.htm#FYI) then send them an email, a letter, call in, do something. Don't vaguely say you support it, that's not gonna cut it anymore. Tell them WHY this will make the roads safer.
The Bike Texas website has a lot more info on the matter, as well as a list of supporting and unconfirmed senators. Check it out for the latest up-to-the-minute reports.
It's common since that you do not try to hurt/kill people. Other than that, this wouldn't be an issue if A. bikers stayed out of the MIDDLE of the road and B. used the sidewalk. Pisses me off when this huge sense of entitlement flows through the blood of a biker. You do not belong on the roads unless there is a bike lane. Or you can pedal the speed limit, which you can't. PERIOD. If you can ride your bike in the god damn fast lane then how about we walk too? How about we ride segways or golf carts or skateboards? I mean really ...
A. Cyclist have the right to ride in the middle of the lane, if it is a multiple lane road. B. It is also illegal for cyclist to ride on some sidewalks, example Congress, there are no bike lanes, and it is illegal for cyclist to ride on the sidewalk.
Check the link smart ass
here
The purpose of the law is to protect cyclist from getting hit. Even when in a bike lane, motorist pass to closely to cyclist and sometimes clipping them. You're also right in the fact that common sense can take play into situations like this. The problem with this, is not everyone has common sense. Example, people who get in their auto's when they are drunk as a skunk and drive home. Common sense says to get a cab and make it home safe and not possible kill someone, but that doesn't stop people from driving drunk now does it?
As far as pedaling the speed limit, you're right again, not everyone can pedal 45 miles an hour, but most speed limits are in the 20-35 mile an hour range. I know several cyclist and commuters that can go that fast without breaking a sweat. I also don't know of any cyclist who ride their "god damn" bikes in the fast lane. What actually is the fast lane? Are you talking about on the highway? I mean if the road has a speed limit of 35 miles an hour and it is two lanes, is there a fast lane? Isn't the speed limit posted for a reason? This isn't nascar, where you drive as fast as you can. If you think it is, then you should go and get on the track. Not race around town. Let me guess you drive a truck too, so you are probably that ass that passes close on purpose when there is no "painted" bike lane (which there are bike lanes around town that are not painted) just to prove a point huh?
Wake up and smell the coffee. People are finding different means of transportation besides their motor vehicles. A lot of people are starting to commute by bike. Get use to it. We're not going away. We won't be intimidated by jackasses like you. Careful of passing to close to some cyclist, you might feel the mighty lock of U-lock justice.
~oneLescar
~ people always talk about my drinking, but never my thirst
My Senator is a supporter! Go Kirk Watson!
Looks like the only "unconfirms" are from Waco, Wichita Falls, Horseshoe Bay, Arlington, Katy, Mission, Jacksonville, Bryan and Houston.
If you're from one of these towns, get on the phone and make the call!