Bicycle Safety Legislation having a positive effect

A feature article by bicyclist Jaime Baranyi in today's Rolla Daily News details changes to Missouri's law in the recently passed Bicycle Safety Legislation and shows that the legislation is already having a noticeable effect:

Cyclist Jon Cunningham, Fort Leonard Wood, is happy to see the new legislation being enforced already. Cunningham was riding at the fort when he got hit by the mirror of a passing car. Because of the new law requiring motorists to leave a safe distance when passing a cyclist, the driver of the vehicle was fined $1,000. It would have been half that cost, but the cyclist sustained injuries.

The article quotes Missouri Bicycle Federation Executive Director Brent Hugh and legislative sponsors Joan Bray and Kevin Engler. Bray said:

"While we did not achieve our entire legislative package, I think the provisions of this bill are an important first step in recognizing that bicyclists are entitled to use the roadways and can enjoy mutual respect with motorists," Bray said. "I look forward to continue working with the Missouri Bicycle Federation to expand bicyclists' influence on state and law policy."