Motor vehicles; increases passing distance when approaching bicycles, etc. (HB1048)
Introduced By
Del. Kaye Kory (D-Falls Church) with support from co-patrons Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington), and Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria)
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
✓ |
Passed Committee |
✗ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Following too closely; passing other vehicles. Adds bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, and mopeds to the list of vehicles that the driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow more closely than is reasonable. Also increases passing distance for passing bicycles from two to three feet. Read the Bill »
Outcome
Bill Has Failed
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 01/13/2010 | Committee |
| 01/13/2010 | Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/13/10 10103794D |
| 01/13/2010 | Referred to Committee on Transportation |
| 01/22/2010 | Assigned Transportation sub: #2 |
| 02/10/2010 | Subcommittee recommends reporting (5-Y 2-N) |
| 02/11/2010 | Reported from Transportation (12-Y 9-N) (see vote tally) |
| 02/12/2010 | Read first time |
| 02/15/2010 | Read second time |
| 02/15/2010 | Engrossment refused by House (43-Y 54-N) |
| 02/15/2010 | VOTE: --- ENGROSSMENT (43-Y 54-N) (see vote tally) |
Comments
The current 2 foot passing distance is only comfortable for slow moving cars. Cars going over 15 mph should be required to allow more clearance.
I'm a cyclist that rides thousands of miles on Virginia roads every year. Last year I was hit twice by careless drivers. I encounter aggressive drivers hostile toward cyclists every week. I take my responsibilities to obey the vehicular laws very seriously. Having some laws that make the roads safer for cyclists is a very high priority for me.
Rules like 3 feet to pass and outlawing tailgating are a good step toward helping increase safety.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
I do not own a motorized vehicle (car/truck). My major source of transportation is my bicycle. We need to do all we can to move people to other forms of transportation such as cycling or public transportation to reduce dependence on automobiles. Anything to protect the right of cyclists to use our roads is welcomed and I would vote for people who support those rights. It would be great if this bill were passed. However, given that few lawmakers ride bicycles, I doubt that it will be.