For Safer Streets, Bike Walk CT Urges Legislators to Pass "Vulnerable User" Bill by June 5

Bike Walk Connecticut's top legislative priority is to get the Vulnerable User bill, SB 191, passed in the 2013 legislative session. We urge legislative leaders to bring the bill to a vote, and pass it, before time again runs out.
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May 30, 2013

Sen. Donald E. Williams, Jr., President Pro Tem
Sen. Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader
Sen. John McKinney, Senate Minority Leader
Rep. J. Brendan Sharkey, Speaker of the House
Rep. Joe Aresimowicz, House Majority Leader
Rep. Lawrence F. Cafero, Jr. House Minority Leader

Re: Please Raise and Pass SB 191, the Vulnerable User Bill

Dear Legislative Leaders:

With just a few days left in the 2013 legislative session, Bike Walk Connecticut urges you to raise and pass SB 191, the Vulnerable User bill.

SB 191 Encourages Safety.  Safer Conditions Encourage More Cycling and Walking.  By raising awareness of the rights of cyclists and pedestrians to share the road and creating penalties for reckless driving that kills or injures vulnerable users, SB 191 will create safer conditions for everyone.  Safer conditions encourage more people to get around by bike or on foot—and that’s good public policy.

Adopting SB 191 Will Make Connecticut a More Bike-Friendly State.  Adopting a vulnerable user bill is not just Bike Walk Connecticut’s top legislative priority, it’s also the first order of business on Connecticut’s Bicycle Friendly Report Card, issued by the League of American Bicyclists.

Connecticut is becoming more bike friendly, moving up in rank from 20th place in 2012 to 18th place in 2013.  We can do better though, and we should. 

Being More Bike-Friendly is Good for Economic Development, the Environment, and Public Health.  Being more bike-friendly is good for our environment, good for our health, and good for our pocketbooks.  It’s also good for the state’s economy.  Cycling is good for  tourism.  It’s also a key ingredient in transportation-oriented development, vibrant communities and thriving, resilient commercial districts, and attracting and retaining a younger workers and the creative class who insist on realistic transportation options beyond the car.

The Fourth Time’s the Charm.  This is at least the fourth year the Vulnerable User bill has come before the legislature.  Every year the bill has enjoyed broad bipartisan, bicameral support.  The Vulnerable User bill is good public policy.  Let’s make this the year we pass it. 

Thank you for considering these views and for working together for a more bikeable, walkable Connecticut. 

Sincerely,

Kelly Kennedy, Executive Director
Bike Walk Connecticut