ACT NOW - Support Stop Light Legislation HB3131 / SB3057

[Pat Clements]

Greetings Tennessee bicyclists and pedestrians!   NOW is the time for you to do something very easy for bicycling advocacy.

PLEASE ACT IMMEDIATELY, THEN FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO OTHERS!

ORGANIZATION MEMBERS, PLEASE FORWARD TO YOUR MEMBERSHIP!

This evening, the operating board of directors of the statewide nonprofit Bike Walk Tennessee unanimously voted to adopt a resolution in support of Tennessee state legislation HB3131 / SB3057.  This bill authorizes bicyclists, after coming to a full and complete stop and exercising due care as provided by law, to proceed with caution through traffic lights.  This is due to the inability of many traffic signals to detect a waiting bicyclist.  The law has long been available to motorcyclists, and this bill will provide similar treatment for bicyclists.

The legislation has several important votes this week, and bicyclists are encouraged to write their elected state official to express their support IMMEDIATELY in support of this bill.  Instructions for finding your elected official are at the end of this message.

SAMPLE - WHAT TO SAY:

Dear <legislator name>,

As a citizen of Tennessee, I am writing to you to encourage a YES vote in support of HB3131 / SB3057 that seeks to make Tennessee a more bicycle-friendly state by allowing bicycles to legally pass through a red traffic light that is unequipped to detect bicycles.  The alternative to correct this situation is to refit all traffic signals with detection devices designed to detect bicycles, which though desirable, is very costly and could take years.

I appreciate your continued support of bicycle and pedestrian friendly legislation in the future.  In a state ranked 46th in health outcomes and suffering from a serious obesity problem, legislation to make Tennessee a more walking and bicycling friendly place is a good choice for the residents of our state.

 

Thank You,

<Your Name>
<Your Address>

FOR THOSE INCLINED TO WRITE YOUR OWN:
Important points:

• Many traffic signals are unable to detect bicycles, leaving a bicyclist waiting for a long long time.  Retrofitting detection devices, though highly desireable, is costly.  This legislation is no-cost and has an immediate benefit.
• For years, motorcyclists have been allowed to proceed with caution through red lights after exercising due care as provided by law.
Tennessee was ranked 49th in the USA for biking and walking in the latest Alliance for Biking and Walking report. 
• Tennessee is ranked 46th in Health Outcomes.  Exercise and active living (through walking and bicycling) will help improve this statistic.

WHO TO WRITE:

Find your Senator here
http://www.capitol.tn.gov/senate/members/

Find your House Representative Here
http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/members/

House Public Safety Committee
http://www.capitol.tn.gov/House/committees/sub-ps.html

A simple email or phone call goes a long way.

Thank you for supporting this pro-bicycling legislation for your state!


Pat Clements
Pro Tem President
Bike Walk Tennessee
p...@patclements.com

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http://www.bikewalktn.org/
EXPECT BIKE TRAFFIC!

[Carey Rogers]

HB 3131  passed out of the House Transportation Committee today and was sent to the House Calendar Committee, the final stop before moving to the House floor.

 

You can see it here.

 

House Trans Video

 

Click on the bill number and it will take you directly to that point in the video.  Several Representatives had questions of the sponsor. Rep. Harry Brooks.

One in particular stood out, Rep. Richard Floyd from Chattanooga, who was extremely negative to say the least. Watch for yourself.  Anyone from Chattanooga might want to consider how to respond to Rep. Floyd. If you know anyone in SE Tennessee forward this to them. 

 

Floyd

 

Rep. Phillip Johnson of Pegram had some pointed questions but nothing like Floyd.

 

Johnson

 

I'll try to let people know when it's in C and R and on the floor. Rep. Floyd is not a member of the committee.

 

C and R

 

 

Carey

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