Two bicycle safety bills are waiting for action in the State Senate. Both cleared the House in March. One would require drivers-ed students to spend at least an hour learning to drive safely around “vulnerable” road users. The other would require drivers to pass cyclists with at least three feet of clearance when possible. League of Michigan Bicyclists Executive Director John Lindenmayer fought for a wider passing rule. But he says the House bill is a start.
“We’re pretty concerned that any additional changes or substantial changes could make the whole thing fall apart and make us start from scratch.”
Lindenmayer says he believes the bills have enough support to pass the Senate. Right now they’re before the Judiciary Committee.
Republican Senator Margaret O’Brien of Portage says the proposals are part of a larger package aimed at protecting “vulnerable” road users.
“There’s one more the House is going to be sending to us. I’m working weekly with the Speaker’s office. And so we’re working to send them our package and then we can start fine-tuning everything. It’s really about just timing everything correctly.”
O’Brien says she hopes the bills will get a vote before summer.