A Win for Roadies!

[Chattbiker]

The “Jeff Roth and Brian Brown Bicycle Protection Act of 2007” was signed into law on May 3, 2007, by Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen. Tennessee joins a handful of states that have moved forward to further protect cyclists on our roadways. Passed without opposition in both the House and Senate, this act provides that “the operator of a motor vehicle when overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on the roadway, shall leave a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet (3’) and shall maintain such clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.” A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

[Pink]

The “Jeff Roth and Brian Brown Bicycle Protection Act of 2007” was signed into law on May 3, 2007, by Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen. Tennessee joins a handful of states that have moved forward to further protect cyclists on our roadways. Passed without opposition in both the House and Senate, this act provides that “the operator of a motor vehicle when overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on the roadway, shall leave a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet (3’) and shall maintain such clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.” A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

I guess this is progress. It just amazes me that what seems to be common courtesy, safety & common sense needs to be legislated. However, it is wonderful that attention is being paid to our safety.

[yvonne]

that's great news ... unfortunately it takes a lot more than a law to get people to recognize our rights on the road ~

never let your guard down!!

[lizardbiker]

That's awesome! I wish we could get our state legislators to pass a law like that rather than try to find ways to give themselves pay raises and upgraded perks!

[like2bike]

That's awesome! I wish we could get our state legislators to pass a law like that rather than try to find ways to give themselves pay raises and upgraded perks!

Boy you're not kidding there Liz. Dude speaks the truth.

Chat, that's great news for your state! I hope this Act gets a lot of media attention to get the word out and raise awareness!

[megale3]

great move into the right dirrection. I think everytime they widen a road or do some kind of construction to it they should give it a 5' shoulder for runners and cyclists. 8)
Meg

[BFSpin]

That's awesome! I wish we could get our state legislators to pass a law like that rather than try to find ways to give themselves pay raises and upgraded perks!

Boy you're not kidding there Liz. Dude speaks the truth.

Chat, that's great news for your state! I hope this Act gets a lot of media attention to get the word out and raise awareness!

Dude indeed does speak the truth. . . my noon class is at the Y downtown; most of the members work with or for the State in some capacity (my husband included). We have declared the Spinning room a Policital Free Zone. Political discussion stops at the door.

Do we at least have a "share the road" license plate here in our fine Commowealth yet? I checked last year - nada. Think I'll go check into it again . . .

Beth

[Chattbiker]

We tried to get enough votes to get share the road plate here in Tennessee but didn't. Sad thing is that we only need a couple thousand signatures or some rediculously low number like that.

[lizardbiker]

That's awesome! I wish we could get our state legislators to pass a law like that rather than try to find ways to give themselves pay raises and upgraded perks!

Boy you're not kidding there Liz. Dude speaks the truth.

Chat, that's great news for your state! I hope this Act gets a lot of media attention to get the word out and raise awareness!

Dude indeed does speak the truth. . . my noon class is at the Y downtown; most of the members work with or for the State in some capacity (my husband included). We have declared the Spinning room a Policital Free Zone. Political discussion stops at the door.

Do we at least have a "share the road" license plate here in our fine Commowealth yet? I checked last year - nada. Think I'll go check into it again . . .

Beth

How can they even think about having a "Share the Road" plate when they stick their heads in the sand and ignore the dangerous drivers and think they're doing something positive by putting up warning signs that say "Beware of Aggressive Drivers?" Why not "Aggressive Drivers Beware of Cops"? And we have a Governor who feels like he's following the law by telling his drivers to keep it under 80?
Sorry - I had one of the Reps who voted for the pay raise and also defended extra pay raises for committee chairs (he was one) in spite of it being against our state constitution. He's now retired, enjoying an $80,000+ pension with full medical for him and his family for life. He has been vacationing in Hawaii for the past couple months.
OK done venting. That felt good. Thanks!

[megale3]

Hey guys I am going to move this to the Velo Community area for further discussion. When you read this you'll already be there no worries about being jurked around.
Meg

[megale3]

Do you all have Critical Mass rides there?
Meg

[BFSpin]

Do you all have Critical Mass rides there?
Meg

"Critical Mass" rides?? Hell's bells, we don't even have bike lanes in PA. Come to think of it, most roads don't even have a rideable shoulder. And our roads are rated among the worst in the nation.

Liz, Dauphin Co. fared pretty well in the pay-raise vote. Smart guys, they really wanted that re-election :wink: Those who are now gone from the legislature are landing on their feet quite nicely.

B

[megale3]

Critical Mass is a large group that take to the roads in a community to create a awearness of the needs of Cyclist -It happens in Portland on tuesdays nights all summer long it can hold up traffic and has. NY has the same thing anyone else?
M