[BikeLongmont] [Fwd: RE: Support HB1218]

[Nenad]

-----Forwarded Message-----
From: Jack Pommer <reppommer at coloradohouse.org>
To: 'Nenad' <nenad at bicyclelongmont.org>
Subject: RE: Support HB1218
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 12:27:57 -0700

Hi Nenad,

I spoke with the sponsor and he doesn't want to change that part of the
bill.  I was coming at it from a safety point of view; he's coming at it
from a liability point of view.  Right now because cyclists are supposed to
dismount, if a cyclist doesn't and gets hit he or she is considered to be
entirely at fault.

I see his point.  He also says that there are other rules already in statute
that govern recklessly entering an intersection.

Greg is also concerned that if we try to legislate something between a full
stop and full speed it will be impossible to enforce.

The reason that I brought up the issue is that we had some serious injuries
in Boulder back when the city ordinances allowed cyclists on sidewalks to
ride across streets.

I'm just going to support the bill as it is.

jack

Rep. Jack Pommer
House District 11
(303) 866-2780 (capitol)
(303) 517-2773 (work)
(303) 443-8555 (home)
jack.pommer.house at state.co.us
www.pommer.us visit my website
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-----Original Message-----
From: Nenad [mailto:nenad at bicyclelongmont.org] 
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 7:18 PM
To: reppommer at coloradohouse.org
Cc: bike at bicyclelongmont.org
Subject: Re: Support HB1218

Hi Jack,

Let me join the other folks on the mailing list thanking you for the
support of bicyclists.

I think I would support idea Richard Masoner floated - OK not to stop,
assuming the cyclist is riding at walking speed. I know that "always
stop" rule would be easier to enforce, but I doubs people would really
follow it. When the blocks are short, having to stop over and over would
be maddening.

I was wondering if we have any statistics on the accidents of this
nature in Colorado. If the people are getting hurt, then we should
obviously support stronger medicine.

I personally ride on the road, so this is mostly a philosophical
discussion for me.

Regards,

Nenad Rijavec
Bicycle Longmont coordinator

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