Month: April 2011

We received the encouraging and supportive message below from Lt. Governor Casey Cagle:

Friends,

Just a few weeks ago, I was honored to join you for the Georgia Municipal Association’s Georgia Rides to the Capitol bike ride. As an avid cyclist myself, I was excited to be with you to discuss critical issues relating to bike safety in Georgia.

While with you that morning, I committed to working to pass important cycling safety legislation. On the last day of the legislative session I saw an opportunity to amend HB 101 to include the “Three Foot Passing” language. I had the amendment drawn up and consulted with the committee chairman and bill author.  I’m proud to report that, thanks in part to your hard work, we were able to pass House Bill 101 on the final day of this
legislative session.

This legislation updates some of Georgia’s cycling laws and includes the critically important three-foot minimum passing distance requirement.  Under this new law, both cyclists and motorists will all be able to operate on Georgia’s roads more safely.

The last minute passage of this bill is yet another example of why it is so important that Georgia citizens are involved in the legislative process. I look forward to continuing to work with you to strengthen Georgia’s bike safety laws and on other issues of importance to you.

If my office can ever be helpful, I hope you’ll let us know.

Look forward to seeing you on the roads,

Casey Cagle

Lieutenant Governor

Georgia is poised to pass significant legislation that will dramatically improve safe cycling conditions in the state.

HB 101 is up for another vote today in the House of Representatives.

Due to modifications made in the Senate on April 12th, HB 101 is coming before the House of Representatives once more for approval of the bill with changes (known as an “agree” vote). Today is the final day of the 2011 legislative session.

In order for the bill to pass, it must receive at least 91 votes.You can watch the House broadcast live online, but please note that it’s any one’s guess as to when 101 will reach the floor for a vote ( some time between 9 am and midnight tonight).

Senate changes being voted upon include:

• An amendment defining the minimum safe passing distance as three feet (introduced by Sen. John Albers of Roswell)
• Removal of language prohibiting parking in bicycle lanes (In some areas, bicycle lanes have been inappropriately
  installed in on street parking areas. Georgia Bikes! plans to work on this issue.)
• Removal of language requiring children under the age of 1 year to wear a helmet (no helmets are manufactured for
  this age group)

101 initially passed the House 93-73 and was sponsored by Rep Doug McKillip of Athens.

HB 101 Passed the Senate, with amendments, 47-4 and was sponsored by Senator Bill Cowsert, also from Athens.

For the latest & previous versions of the bill, click here.

Due to modifications made in the Senate yesterday, HB 101 must come before the House of Representatives once more before it can be signed by the Governor.

Senate changes include:

• An amendment defining the minimum safe passing distance as three feet
• Removal of language prohibiting parking in bicycle lanes (In some areas, bicycle lanes have been inappropriately installed in on street parking areas. Georgia Bikes! plans to work on this issue.)
• Removal of language requiring children under the age of 1 year to wear a helmet (no helmets are manufactured for this age group)

Tomorrow, April 14th, is the final day of the 2011 legislative session. HB 101 will be called for an “agree” vote on the changes made. In order for the bill to pass, it must receive at least 91 votes. Please contact your state Representative NOW to urge their support of HB 101.

For a list of state Representatives, including their email address & how they voted on HB 101 the first time around, go here.

101 initially passed the House 93-73, so every vote truly counts! Thank you for taking a moment to get this important legislation over its final hurdle!

For the latest & previous versions of the bill, click here.

March 22nd’s 6th annual Georgia Rides to the Capitol was an incredible success!
Approximately 1800 cyclists of all ages and from around the state converged on the gold dome in downtown Atlanta to show support for better bicycling accommodations and safer cycling legislation.

More than 40 metro Atlanta mayors rode in the event, leading the
pack to the steps of the state capitol building.

Police escorted rides descended Atlanta from Roswell, currently Georgia’s
only Bicycle Friendly Community, and nearby Decatur.

Once arrived, cyclists were able to park their bikes and get snacks and refreshments thanks to the generous folks at Bike MS.

Notworthy speakers included the new GOHS Director, Harris Blackwood, as well as Vance Smith, GDOT Commissioner, and a host of supportive metro Atlanta mayors.

Georgia’s new Governor, Nathan Deal, spoke to the crowd about
his concern for childhood obesity and the need for more physical activity.
He concluded by affirming that he “supports our efforts.”

Many thanks to all of the event sponsors, MAMA, GMA, the guest speakers, and, of course, all of the riders who made the 2011 Ride to the Capitol a great success!