Senate Judiciary committee recently passed several pieces of legislation that will help protect the rights of a bicyclist and other non-motorized users of the roadway. This is an important step forward as more and more focus is place on creating communities that support all modes of transportation.

Two bills passed out of committee the League supported, SB 1029 and 1030. They would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to prescribe misdemeanor and felony penalties for committing a moving violation causing injury to or the death of a vulnerable roadway user. A vulnerable roadway user is defined as a pedestrian, bicyclist, or wheelchair user.

Additional bills were passed out of committee that would require driver’s training to include three hours of instruction on safety for bicycles and require motor vehicle operators  to maintain a 5-foot distance when passing a bicyclist on the roadway.

John LaMacchia is the Assistant Director of State Affairs for the League handling transportation, infrastructure, energy and environment issues. He can be reached at [email protected] or 517-908-0303.