Thursday, August 26, 2010

The 3 foot passing law was rejected (HB1048)..why?

Here's a copy of the article regarding the 3 foot passing law for cars that have to pass cyclists-Please give your input.

Legislative ReportPosted by admin on February 16th, 2010

HB1048 was introduced to provide modest changes to state law by providing a 3 ft passing rule between a car and a bike, and made the following too closely law apply when a car is following a bike. Had it been passed, it would have brought safer conditions for bicyclists by establishing rules for safe passing and following. The bill was supported by the City of Virginia Beach, Fairfax Country, Drive Smart, VA Motorcycle Dealers Assn and others. It was not opposed in person by any group in either of the committee or subcommittee hearings. In a separate action, the Senate voted 40Y-0N the week before to approve the 3 ft passing law change provided in SB566

Unfortunately, HB1048 made it through committee but was killed yesterday in a vote along party lines in the Republican controlled house. It was strongly opposed on the floor of the house and in committe by Del. Cosgrove of Chesapeake, and Del. Carrico of Galax.