[Vision2020] Idaho Bicycle Deaths Prompt Laws To Protect Bicyclists

[Ted Moffett]

Given that I recently found Idaho law sadly lacking regarding assigning
responsibility to drivers of motor cars turning to cross drive-ins crossing
sidewalks to yield to bicyclists on the sidewalk, I was happy to discover
that the issue of increasing the safety of behavior for both drivers of
cars/trucks and bicyclists, is broadly being addressed, at least by
the Boise, Idaho City Council, also perhaps in the 2010 Idaho Legislature:

http://www.kval.com/news/local/81340082.html

>From website above:

"Motorists and bicycles<http://search.kval.com/default.aspx?ct=r&q=%22bicycle%22>have
to share the road," said Michael Zuzel, member of a special city task
force on cycling safety. "They have to share the responsibility for making
the roads safe. That's why some of these ordinances would penalize motorists
for their behavior and some would penalize cyclists for their behavior."

The City of Boise Cycling Safety Task Force recommended the new ordinances
in a final report issued in October. The task force was formed after the
several bike versus car collisions during last summer killed three cyclists.

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Among the changes adopted Tuesday by the Boise City Council:

   - Drivers will now be expected to yield to cyclists at intersections,
   leave at least three feet of distance between bikes, and not cut bicycles
   off when turning.

   - Cyclists are now legally required to give a warning before passing
   someone on the sidewalk, dismount in crowded pedestrian areas and cannot
   ride recklessly swerving on and off of sidewalks.

   - A third part to the change applies to drivers and pedestrians. It
   states that harassment and intimidation of cyclists is prohibited as well as
   throwing objects at bikes and attempting to disrupt their path.

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Information on proposed 2010 Idaho legislation regarding improving bicycle
safety law in news story at website below, that mentions recent Idaho
bicycle deaths:

http://www.missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_05f27336-f7bd-11de-9594-001cc4c03286.html

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Vision2020 Post: Ted Moffett
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