Bicycles; riders approaching intersection controlled by traffic lights need not to wait two minutes. (HB7)
Introduced By
Del. James Edmunds (R-South Boston) with support from co-patron Sen. Scott Surovell (D-Mount Vernon)
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
✗ |
Passed Committee |
☐ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Bicycles at traffic lights. Provides the rider of a bicycle approaching an intersection controlled by traffic lights need not wait the two minutes required of the driver of a motorcycle or moped approaching the same intersection. Read the Bill »
Status
01/24/2012: Failed to Pass in Committee
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 11/29/2011 | Committee |
| 11/29/2011 | Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/11/12 12100039D |
| 11/29/2011 | Referred to Committee on Transportation |
| 01/24/2012 | Passed by indefinitely in Transportation |
Comments
The title of this bill seems a bit misleading. The existing law states that a bicycle rider must "com[e] to a full and complete stop at the intersection for two complete cycles of the traffic light or for two minutes, whichever is shorter" before giving up on it. The bill would amend the law to require the rider to wait for two complete cycles, whether or not that is more than two minutes. Note also that this bill applies only to cyclists: motorcycle and moped riders could go after two minutes, even if two full cycles had not yet been completed.
This change would also make it technically illegal for a bicyclist to proceed through those lights where there is no regular cycle (i.e. the light only changes when a vehicle triggers the light) and the bicyclist is unable to trigger the light.
Agreed with the previous two writers. This bill is a step backwards for cyclists.
This bill defeats the stated purpose of the law. A bicycle in many circumstances will not trip a traffic light. How do you expect that the light will cycle if the light will cycle? After approaching a light, the cyclist should be allowed to treat the light as a stop sign and proceed after a reasonable period (two minutes?) if the light triggering mechanism does not respond and there is no traffic coming in the intersecting street.