HCS SCS SB 372 -- BICYCLE SAFETY

SPONSOR:  Engler (Kuessner)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Transportation by a vote of 14 to 0.

This substitute changes the laws regarding bicycle safety.  In
its main provisions, the substitute:

(1)  Revises the definition of "bicycle" to include vehicles
propelled by human power having two parallel wheels and one
forward or rear wheel, all of which are more than 14 inches in
diameter;

(2)  Prohibits blocking or obstructing a designated bicycle lane
with a parked or standing motor vehicle or other stationary
object;

(3)  Establishes standards for motorists crossing bicycle lanes;

(4)  Defines a "designated bicycle lane" as a portion of the
roadway or highway which has been designated by the governing
body having jurisdiction over the roadway by striping with
signing or pavement markings for the preferential or exclusive
use of bicycles;

(5)  Requires a motorist when passing a bicyclist to leave a safe
distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle;

(6)  Provides that bicycles operating at less than the posted
speed limit or slower than the flow of traffic may be operated on
the shoulder adjacent to the roadway; and

(7)  Provides that a bicyclist must signal in the same manner as
other vehicles except that continuously signaling by hand and arm
is not required if the hand is needed for the control or
operation of the bicycle.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2006, FY 2007, and
FY 2008.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say the bill is a safety enhancement for
bicyclists and pedestrians, will improve Missouri's reputation in
the national bicycling community, and help bicycle tourism.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Engler; Missouri Insurance
Coalition; Farmers Insurance Company; Missouri Parks and
Recreation Association; Department of Transportation; and
Missouri Bicycle Federation, Incorporated.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Robert Triplett, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated August 25, 2005 at 1:21 pm