Frisco Cycling Club calls for legislation to protect cyclists

by PegNews wire

FRISCO — In June 2009, SB 488, the “Safe Passing” bill that would have created a safe zone of three feet around vulnerable road users (including pedestrians, runners, motorcyclists, cyclists, workers and more), was passed in the state of Texas. Similar laws have been passed in many other states, including Arizona, Utah, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Florida.

“However, the Frisco Cycling Club received an alert concerning the bill on the day that it was to have been signed into law by Governor Perry that he was going to veto it. We immediately went on the offensive and alerted our members and friends to email or call his office and let him know how important this bill was to many Texans,” said Geoffrey Davis, president of Frisco Cycling Club.

Despite everyone’s best efforts, Governor Perry did veto the bill about 11 p.m. that night. Several news stories ran in local papers about the number of people who called and emailed in support of the bill as opposed to the very small number who were in opposition.

In response to the governor’s veto, in October of this year, the city of Austin passed their own version of the bill that had previously been approved by the Texas legislature – an ordinance amending the city code. They are the only city in the state of Texas to enact such legislation for the protection of vulnerable road users in their city.

Upon hearing of Austin’s stand to support vulnerable road users, the Frisco Cycling Club notified and began working with members of the Frisco City Council and Maher Maso, the mayor of Frisco, asking that Frisco be the second city in the state of Texas to recognize the importance of enacting legislation to protect vulnerable road users in Frisco.

“The ‘Share the Road’ signs that have been erected throughout the Frisco area have been of great benefit to all of us who cycle. The Frisco Cycling Club hopes the next step will be for the city of Frisco to pass enforceable legislation to protect all cyclists and vulnerable road users in our community,” Davis said.

Source: Frisco Cycling Club

Staff
Verified User
Anonymous

I want to commend the Frisco Cycling Club for taking the first steps in getting the Frisco City Council to adopt a 3 foot clearance ordinance to protect Frisco City cyclists. While cycling is safe, sharing space on our roads is becoming hazardous and the growing number of cyclists must find ways to protect themselves. In addition to knowing and following the rules of the road, cyclists can solve the majority of their problems by riding visibly and predictably. A city ordinance can create a much needed and greatly appreciated buffer zone that will make cycling safer and more attractive as a means of transportation and recreation.

A city ordinance requiring motorists to provide at least 3 feet clearance when passing cyclists from the rear creates an excellent tool for educating motorists and gives motorists a frame of reference for what is considered to be a safe passing distance. It clarifies, in part, what it means to share the roads we all own and use.

As an avid cyclist I can tell you that most motorists are courteous and they give us space. But there are a large number of motorists who just don’t get it. They don’t get the fear that sweeps over us as they pass within inches of our bodies. And they don’t get how hitting us would change lives---theirs, ours and our families. Unfortunately, there is also a good number of cyclists who just don't get how there poor riding behaviors e.g running red lights can impact lives. We have some work to do here as well.

Some will argue that such an ordiance would be unenforceable. For lazy, non-creative law enforcement agencies that is true. Law enforcement agencies that are willing to roll up their sleeves to protect the citizens they serve can and do find ways to enforce the law...and that doesn't just mean handing out tickets.

The question really is very simple: can a "3 foot clearance" ordinance help reduce the number of cyclists being injured or worse, killed in Frisco City? The answer is yes and it's my hope that Mayor Maso and his fellow councilmen will agree and do the right thing for Frisco City's cyclists, their families and friends.

Good luck, Joe Mizereck Founder, www.3feetplease.com

joemizereck Anonymous

1 week, 5 days ago
Link to this comment | Suggest removal

What was the reason for vetoing the bill?

Jesus Valadez Verified

1 week, 5 days ago
Link to this comment | Suggest removal

You can pass all the laws you want. I don't trust drivers to not be texting their friends about how much they hate bicyclists while they're putting on make-up and taking a bite out of a burger when they're behind me.

My ass stays on the sidewalks.

Pavel Lishin Verified

1 week, 5 days ago
Link to this comment | Suggest removal

its illegal to ride on the sidewalk. you're a vehicle, not a pedestrian.

Governor Rick said that it was "creating a new class of users of roadways, called 'vulnerable users'... (that) already have operation regulations and restrictions in statute." http://governor.state.tx.us/news/veto...

krull_etc Anonymous

1 week, 5 days ago
Link to this comment | Suggest removal

Krull: I know. I don't care. On the sidewalk, I'm responsible for my own safety. On the side of the street, I'm putting my safety into the hands of every random yahoo who qualifies for a driver's license.

Pavel Lishin Verified

1 week, 5 days ago
Link to this comment | Suggest removal

::every random yahoo who qualifies for a driver's license

Umm... not to burst even that shred of optimism

But relax, at least we're only 15th in the nation for number of unlicensed drivers. Est. 14.9% don't , so you have almost a one in six chance of being hit by someone unqualified to do so.

Have a nice day.

Jason Rice Verified

1 week, 4 days ago
Link to this comment | Suggest removal

Cities can install bike paths and bike lanes on their roads. There isn't a need to legislate it.

John McClelland Verified

1 week, 4 days ago
Link to this comment | Suggest removal

I wonder how many of those have insurance and citizenships, and how many would just flee the scene.

Pavel Lishin Verified

1 week, 4 days ago
Link to this comment | Suggest removal

Well this is the nail on the coffin for me....going to vote for Kay Bailey Hutchinson.

Glad to see Perry is more concerned with the rights of soccer moms in huge SUVs and not for the lives and welfare of pedestrians and cyclists.

You should read Perry's reasons for vetoing the bill: "an operator of a motor vehicle is already subject to penalties when he or she is at fault for causing a collision or operating recklessly." Good point Perry. Instead of being proactive and trying to prevent the injury and death of others, we'll just wait and punish them after the fact. I can't wait for the next round of Tort Reform; I bet Perry will put a special provision limiting damages of an accident victim to his/her choice of a commemorative "Vote for Perry" pen or a bumper sticker saying: "I may not be able to walk, but I can still run-over pedestrians."