California state legislators have proposed several new bills aimed at promoting the safety of people on bikes in 2015. AB 28 (Chu, D-San Jose) would require any riding a bicycle in darkness to use a rear flashing light (in addition to a front light currently mandated by CA law). SB 192 (Liu, D-Pasadena) would extend the state's current requirement that any person under the age of 18 wear a helmet while on a bicycle to anyone on a bicycle, period. Let us know how you feel about both proposals by answering the polls below! AB 28 - Blinking Tail Light MandateExisting law requires that a bicycle operated during darkness upon a highway, a sidewalk where bicycle operation is not prohibited by the local jurisdiction, or a bikeway, as defined, be equipped with a red reflector on the rear that is visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. A violation of this requirement is an infraction. This bill would instead require that a bicycle operated under those circumstances be equipped with a white flashing light on the rear that is visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle, or, in lieu of the white flashing light, reflective gear worn by the bicyclist. SB 192 - Adult Bicycle Helmet MandateExisting law prohibits a person under 18 years of age from operating a bicycle, riding on a bicycle as a passenger, or riding in a trailer towed by a bicycle unless the person is wearing a bicycle helmet meeting specified standards. A violation of those provisions is an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $25. This bill would require every person, regardless of age, to wear a bicycle helmet when operating a bicycle, riding on a bicycle as a passenger, or riding in a trailer towed by a bicycle. The bill would also require a person engaged in these activities in the darkness to wear retroreflective high-visibility safety apparel, as specified. Because a violation of this requirement would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
2 Comments
Henry Coronado
2/18/2015 04:31:08 am
Once again, go after the cyclists, with more laws! These politicians, need to go after the reckless/hit and run drivers, with harsher penalties, for injuring/killing cyclists!
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Daniel A
2/18/2015 05:20:28 am
Anyone who puts miles on a bicycles knows the importance of forward and back lights plus a helmet. Many variables such as road hazards, congestion and flat tires can cause a cyclists to fall. I experienced a fall while sliding on a road hazard decades ago. I was wearing a helmet but needed medical attention. It could have been much worse. Physics can show how instant deceleration is dangerous. Good luck.
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