March 2007

There were 3 posts published in March 2007 (this is page 1 of 1).

“What We Call The News”

Sadly, this JibJab clip (via TVNewser) is on target:

Indeed, if someone on a distant planet is monitoring activity on Earth via American news channels, he/she probably believes the most significant stories of the past few months are Ana Nicole Smith, Britney Spears, and “American Idol.”

Jeff Roth Bicycle and Pedalcyclists Protection Act of 2007

The Tennessee Legislature is considering the Jeff Roth Bicycle and Pedalcyclists Protection Act of 2007. The bill, as amended provides:

The operator of a motor vehicle when overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on the roadway, shall leave a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet (3′) and shall maintain such clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.

Earlier in March, the Tennessee House of Representatives unanimously approved the bill (HB0235). It is now pending before the Senate Transportation Committee (SB1699).
I e-mailed State Senators Burchett and Woodson, urging them to support the bill. According to a news account, Senator Burchett has agreed to co-sponsor the legislation.
I don’t know how much safer, if at all, this bill will make it to bicycle in Tennessee. Much of that depends on how it’s enforced. But symbolically, if nothing else, it will be nice if the legislature gives cycling this recognition.
It’s worth noting that three feet of clearance space isn’t much. I think five feet is more reasonable. Trust me, if a big pickup truck blows by you at one yard, it’s still close enough to scare the crap out of you.