Texas Senate Bill (SB488) and House Bill (HB827) aims to, among other things, require that motorists pass “vulnerable road users” by more than three feet. Cyclists, pedestrians and motorcycle riders meet the definition for a “vulnerable road user”. The bill also creates penalties for things like throwing objects at these road users, making “right hook” turns directly in front of them, etc.
I just sent the following e-mail to my Texas state senator and representative. If you are a Texas resident, I strongly urge you to do the same.
I use my bicycle to make the 22-mile roundtrip commute to work three days a week. This is a contribution to my health, to the environment and to my fellow citizen (in the way of reduced traffic congestion).SB 488 filed by Senator Ellis & Representative Harper-Brown is known as the “Safe Passing Bill” and would require more than three feet passing distance when a motorist passes a vulnerable road user. A cyclist is one of a handful of vulnerable road users identified in the bill.
I strongly urge you to support this bill to help ensure that motorists do their part in sharing the road with other travelers. This bill is more than symbolism. It creates real and needed penalties for aggressive behavior like throwing projectiles at cyclists/pedestrians, etc.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss my thoughts on this bill in more detail.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Each year more than 50 cyclists, 400 pedestrians and 500 motorcyclists die on Texas roads. It’s time to help ensure that the “Share the Road” concept is more than just a hollow slogan but a true operational statement. Use the find my representative link to get contact information for your elected official.
