The following is an update from Bill Lucero, KVBC Lobbyist, working on the 3′ passing and dead red bill on behalf of KS bicyclists:
A Conference Committee composed of the Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Ranking minority members of both chambers hammered out a compromise proposal this afternoon which includes the proposed 3 foot clearance a motorist would be required to provide when passing a cyclist. Two meetings were held today (Mon., Mar. 28, 2011), attended by KVBC’s Bill Lucero and Alan Apel, in order for Legislative staff to determine the impact that would result if municipalities were barred from charging additional Court costs when motorists were stopped for not wearing a seatbelt.
Eventually a provision was added back into the original House Bill 2192 prohibiting municipalities from charging such Court costs. A second provision allowing vehicles to drive 75 mph on certain limited access highways was also added. Thus, as House Transportation Chairman Gary Hayzlett (R- Lakin) stated, we now have a Transportation Omnibus Bill with the new 2 provisions contained with the “Dead Red” and 3 foot distance proposals. Hayzlett noted that whenever legislation is compounded, “you gain a few votes and you lose a few”, thus the bill could be a crap shoot in either chamber.
The Bill now goes back to the House for concurrence or rejection of the Committee report. Senate Transportation Chairman Dwayne Umbarger (R- Thayer)- who championed the 3 foot provision- indicated that he believed the current revised Bill should advance but did not speculate what might happen if other modifications were made to the Bill. At this time all bicyclists are encouraged to contact their respective Senators and Representatives, urging them to support the 3 foot provision in House Bill 2192.
Bill Lucero
Lobbyist
Kaw Valley Bicycle Club
