Monday, July 15, 2013

Support Safer Streets in Ohio

Please support safer streets for Ohio bicyclists and Drivers by asking your State Representative to pass Hour Bill 145.

HB 145 includes two provisions to help Ohio bicyclists:

1. Ohio law already requires  that motorists pass bicyclists leaving a safe passing distance. HB 145 sets the safe passing distance as "not less than 3 feet."  Over twenty states already have a 3-foot rule, and the rule is endorsed by both AAA and the League of American Bicyclists. Setting the 3-foot rule helps with education and enforcement of safe driving practices.

2. Ohio law already lists situations in which vehicles may proceed through an intersection when a traffic signal isn't working.  HB 145 adds another situation--it allows "Failure of a vehicle detector to detect the vehicle." This is a common problem for bicyclists when the weight of the bicycle doesn't trigger the light to change, and the bicyclists is stuck waiting until a car triggers the detector.  

HB 145 is scheduled to be taken by the Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee in September. Please contact your State Representative (using this quick and easy online form) and ask them to Support HB 145.

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