When politicians look hard at riding - surprise changes can come from left field.
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3' Minimum when Passing
It sounds like there's a strong possibility of a 2015 run at a 3' passing law in the South Dakota legislature. I've heard it from two independent sources. In November I responded to a Mitchell representative's request for the text of our Sioux Falls 3' Passing ordinances.
I think it's fine to have a state level 3' passing law. Many other states have one. If conditions are right I think such a bill deserves rider support.
But there's plenty of problems that come with such a push. During the previous attempt to pass such a law the primary sponsor Sandy Jerstad failed to get transportation committee support for the bill. She smoked it out to the floor for a vote. In a failed attempt to get votes, she was willing to make a state law that riders must wear reflective clothing while riding.
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Natasha's Law
This fall KDLT ran a story "A Mother's Fight For Justice" announcing a call for legislation named Natasha's Law. This legislation calls for stiffer penalties for drivers that cause bicyclist and pedestrian fatalities. This week people with signs were observed near the place of Natasha's death. Googling Natasha's Law reveals a MoveOn petition and description.
It seems ok to have stronger penalties for destroying innocent lives. Many states have passed "Vulnerable Road User" laws. As riders we know all too well that penalties seem pretty weak. I invite a listen to Freakomomic's "The Perfect Crime" to learn that the perfect crime is indeed running over a pedestrian with a car.
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Sounds like some rider diligence will be necessary this winter to be sure our legislators don't play loose with the means while they try to justify an ends.
When politicians look hard at riding - surprise changes can come from left field.
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