Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Three feet passing bill (HB 1683) video
If you want to see an example of how the Virginia legislature works, Bike Charlottesville has posted a video of the committee meeting in which House Delegates debate HB 1683, the bill to require motorist to allow three feet when passing a bicyclists. It's a little discouraging to see that people who write our laws know so little about the existing laws, at least as they apply to bicyclists. Several times it's stated that cyclists cannot ride two abreast whereas the law states: "Persons riding two abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, shall move into a single file formation as quickly as is practicable when being overtaken from the rear by a faster moving vehicle, and, on a laned roadway, shall ride in a single lane." 46.2-905.Another legislator states: "Is there any requirement for a bicyclist to ride on the right hand side of the road?" The code states: "Any person operating a bicycle, ... on a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place under conditions then existing shall ride as close as safely practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway, except under any of the following circumstances:" 46.2-905.
Bud Vye of Virginia Bicycling Federation did a good job of setting the record straight, albeit after the bill was defeated. There's also an interesting discussion with Del. Toscano outside the committee afterwards. Tim Rosato was there representing FABB.
Virginia House Transportation Subcommittee 2 deliberates HB 1683 Jan 26 2011 from Heather Higgins on Vimeo.
Labels: bike charlottesville, three feet to pass
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