Jackson Free Press

For the past 15 years, Mississippi has averaged about six cyclist deaths per year, which makes it difficult to understand why last session, the state Senate did not receive enough support for a bill that would have guaranteed safer roads for cyclists.

This session, however, a similar bill (House Bill 156), authored by Rep. Brandon Jones, D-Pascagoula, and co-sponsored by Rep. Toby Barker, R-Hattiesburg, is a progressive and much-needed law. Mainly, the bill mandates motorists to remain a safe distance from cyclists; cyclists to have a front light and back reflector on their bikes after dark; and it makes it illegal for motorists to harass cyclists.

House Transportation Chairman Warner McBride, D-Courtland, says he is optimistic the legislation will pass this year. Last year, the bill passed in the House but never made it out of the Senate Transportation Committee. Opponents said the legislation was too restrictive on motorists because it required three feet of distance between motorists and bikes.

In the bike world, three feet of distance is the standard for safety. Without a measurable distance enforced, this requirement won't carry much weight. But hopefully more cities will adopt a three feet ordinance requirement in the future.

In November, Tupelo became the first city in the state to enact an ordinance requiring three feet of distance between cyclists and motorists after 18-year-old John Paul Frerer was killed by a motorist while riding his bike in August.

I hope it doesn't take a death in Jackson for the city to consider doing the same. If you have ever biked down State Street or Fortification, you know how badly this ordinance is needed. I wish three feet of distance was outlined in this bill, but it is stil a step in the right direction to make the roads safer for cyclists in Mississippi. The committee deadline for the bill is Feb. 3, so I'll be watching it closely. In the meantime, contact your state representative and senator and tell them we need three feet.

Previous Comments

ID

155074

Comment

I completely agree. We should adopt a nationwide law to give cyclists 3 feet, or more, of roadway. But I'd like to add that even though the laws may be put into place, municipalities need to do more to enforce them. Thankfully the doctor in L.A. who nearly killed a group of cyclists by pulling in from of them and slamming on his brakes, was sentenced to 5 years for road rage. Then again, theres the fireman in Asheville who shot a cyclist, who was riding with his child, in the head and received only 120 days... Its also going to take a complete shift in driver mentality.

Author

Ryan

Date

2010-01-14T12:12:15-06:00

ID

155077

Comment

I can't think of too many areas within Jackson that are what I'd refer to as "bike friendly". I usually put about 1500 miles a year on my bike, mainly on the Trace and roads in Rankin & Madison counties that aren't heavily travelled. There's a new section of bike lane about to be finished that will allow you to bike all the way from Highland Colony to Hwy 471.

Author

bill_jackson

Date

2010-01-14T12:23:53-06:00