Missouri Bicycle News Article

HB2205, the "Safe Streets" bill with enhanced penalties for those who injure or kill while driving, had a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, March 26th, 2008.

The bill is sponsored by Representative Mike Sutherland. Executive Director Brent Hugh and Lobbyist James Farrell of the Missouri Bicycle Federation were there to testify in favor of the bill.

Brad Gaunt, son of Larry Gaunt & uncle of Sierra Gaunt, who were killed last summer while bicycling in the Kansas City area testified about the family's response to that tragedy and the difficulties they have faced in working with the prosecutor's office to get appropriate prosecution in that case.

Caryn Giarratano testified, in her role as friend of Mike Brady who was killed by a motorist who strayed into the shoulder while looking around his car for a sales receipt.

Those were both very effective testimonies.

The members of the committee said unanimously that they support the idea of the bill and what we are trying to do with it, but they had many specific suggestions for improving the bill as it moves forward.

Moving a bill that involves criminal penalties through the Judiciary Committee is always tough. This is the first time this approach to the issue of dangerous drivers who injure and kill has had a hearing in the Missouri legislature.

However, after our hearing yesterday and after talking personally with most of the members of the Judiciary Committee throughout the day, I feel there is a good possibility of moving some small but helpful legislation in the short term, and working to find stronger solutions in the long term.

Your support of MoBikeFed helps make our work with the Missouri legislature possible.

Related:

News: Brief wrapup of this year's Missouri legislative session

News: Complete Streets Bill: 2 of 19 co-sponsors are from Missouri

News: Bike summit 2009: Congressional visits with Bond, McCaskill, Cleaver, Luetkemeyer, Carnahan, and others

News: Bill introduced to allow Missouri counties to fund bicycle/pedestrian facilities

News: Recent bicycling incidents in Kansas City area lead to concern