BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

From the Outspokin' Wheelmen of Youngstown, OH - ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Caron Whitaker To: Frank Krygowski Sent: Monday, July 15, 2013 3:00 PM Subject: Support Safer Streets in Ohio Dear Frank Please support Safer streets for Ohio bicyclists and Drivers by asking your State Representative to pass HB 145, and require a 3-foot passing law. 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 procede 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 and ask them to Support HB-145.