Bike Walk CT on Proposed Bill 103

1/22/2013

Credit: Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition

Connecticut's 2013 legislative session opened on January 9. It's early in the session, but Bike Walk Connecticut is aware of one bill in particular that has a lot of people talking.

Proposed Senate Bill 103 would amend Conn. Gen. Stat. §14-286b to require cyclists to ride single file to allow motorists to safely pass and give cyclists the 3-foot buffer that current law requires.

Bike Walk Connecticut appreciates the safety sentiment behind the proposed bill. However, subsection (b) of Conn. Gen. Stat. §14-286b already provides that “Persons riding two abreast … shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic …”

Accordingly, rather than amend current law, Bike Walk Connecticut would prefer that Connecticut re-commit to and enforce a vigorous Share the Road campaign to promote the legal, safe and courteous use of the roads by all users.

Links:

Richard Froh link

1/23/2013 12:58:46 am

It boils down to one question: "When is it practicable for one legal road user to endanger him/herself for the convenience of another road user?" This is because, xcept for lane widths exceeding 14', it is mathematically impossible for average size cars and a bicyclist to "share" a lane according to CT DOT adopted guidelines (wider vehicles require wider lanes for "sharing"). The 3' minimum passing clearance law is just that, an arbitrary and often inadequate MINIMUM. My question s are, 1) Where will single-file riding enable passing vehicles to safely "share'"a lane under current statutes and DOT guidelines?, and 2) How does encouraging motorists to make close passes improve bicyclist safety (since this bill is touted as promoting bicyclist safety)? I believe there is only one (1) State in the US that has a single-file law. Heavens to Betsy, WHY would we strive to adopt this regressive measure for cyclists?!?!

Robert Dickinson

1/28/2013 01:23:47 am

I agree that Bill # 103 is not necessary and present law should be publicized and enforced. Also I believe that the present 3" law should be modified to specify a 3' passing distance at 30 mph, 4' at 40 mph, and 5' at 50 mph. (Hew Hampshire's law calls out passing distance this way)

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Bike Walk CT on Proposed Bill 103

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