Vulnerable Roadway User Legislation Pedals Forward

House Criminal Justice Committee this week voted out HB 5080. This bill would increase the penalties for a driver who committed a moving violation that injured a killed a vulnerable roadway user on a roadway who was in compliance with the vehicle code.

A vulnerable roadway user is defined a pedestrian, a wheelchair user, a bicyclist, or a person operating a transportation device that is in compliance with the Michigan Vehicle Code such as an electric assist bicycle or wheelchair.

Also moving the week was HB 4866 which would add an outward extended right arm as an allowable indicator for a right hand turn while riding a bicycle. This legislation in moving on to the Senate after being voted unanimously out of the House.

The Michigan Municipal League Supports both of these bills.

John LaMacchia is a Legislative Associate for the League handling transportation and infrastructure issues. He can be reached at jlamacchia@mml.org or 517-905-0303.

League Testifies in Support of Vulnerable Roadway User Legislation

Today the Michigan Municipal League offered their support for legislation that would help strengthen protections for Vulnerable Roadway Users such as pedestrians and bicyclists. Under HB 4792 and HB 4799 a person who commits a moving violation and injures or kills a Vulnerable Roadway User would be subject to fines, community service, or imprisonment.

The League has advocated for complete streets and talked about the importance of creating livable communities that support the safe interaction of all modes of transportation. Support for this legislation helps further that advocacy.

The House Criminal Justice committee did not vote on this legislation today but we are hopeful that these bills will be voted on in the near future.

John LaMacchia is a Legislative Associate for the League handling transportation issues. He can be reached at jlamacchia@mml.org or 517-908-0303.