In a move that shocked cyclists statewide, Texas Governor Rick Perry vetoed the Safe Passing bill, which added legal protection for cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, construction workers, etc, by requiring a minimum passing distance by other larger vehicles.
Via KVUE in Austin:
The measure, SB 488, would have required drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing them on most highways. Other ‘vulnerable road users’ included in the bill were pedestrians, construction workers, tow truck operators, stranded motorists, motorcyclists and moped riders.
In his veto statement, Perry said many restrictions on motorists already exist in state law.
“While I am in favor of measures that make our roads safer for everyone, this bill contradicts much of the current statute and places the liability and responsibility on the operator of a motor vehicle when encountering one of these vulnerable road users,” Perry said in a statement.
“In addition, an operator of a motor vehicle is already subject to penalties when he or she is at fault for causing a collision or operating recklessly, whether it is against a ‘vulnerable user’ or not.”
And what element of Perry’s veto statement was incorrect? And just how many prosecutions have there been since the beginning of time, nationwide, for offenses against such laws? You can count them on the fingers of a single hand.
I think it’s time for cycling advocates to advocate meaningful legislation and not just “feel good” fluff. If you can’t think of any, you’re not trying…