Bicycle Safety Legislation moves forward in the Missouri General Assembly

The Bicycle Safety Bill supported by the Missouri Bicycle Federation is moving forward--again.

The bill is filled with noncontroversial, common-sense provisions: bicycle-friendly bike lane regulations, bicyclists may signal right turns by pointing right arm, bicyclists may legally ride on road shoulders (a quirk of Missouri law makes it technically illegal for bicyclists to use the shoulder), and motorists must pass at a safe distance.

Thanks to MoBikeFed lobbyist Jim Farrell's skill in positioning the bill and neutralizing opposition, both the House and Senate versions of the bill are moving along well. The Senate version of the bill, SB 372, is sponsored by Senator Kevin Engler of Farmington. Engler has a personal interest in the bill, because his wife is a triathlete and the TransAmerica Trail passes through his district.

As of 16 April, SB372 is on the House Consent Calendar. That means that after several days it will come up for a vote in the House--a vote which should be routine.

The House version of the bill, HB 632, is sponsored by Rep. Mike Sutherland, an avid mountain biker. HB 632 is co-sponsored by 111 representatives, including House Speaker Rod Jetton. Jetton's co-sponsorship has helped move both SB 372 and HB 632 forward.

HB 632 will likely move forward by being amended to one of the "Transportation Omnibus" bills that will be moving forward in this house this week.

Although the Bicycle Safety Bill is simple and noncontroversial, simply the fact that it is moving forward gives the bicycling community much higher visibility and more clout in Jefferson City.

Thanks to the many bicyclists from around Missouri who have taken the time to write or call their state legislators to ask them to support SB 372 and HB 632. It really does make a difference!

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