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Bicyclist stop sign law changes re-introduced
Posted on January 12th, 2012 5 comments50th 2nd regular session (2012) HB2221. This is (i think) an exact copy of the bill from last year; which was a tweak to the original try in 2009.
HEARING SCHEDULED 1/26/2012 at 9AM by the House Transportation committee. All video is archived, in case you miss it live, you can also view the 3/4/2009 hearing at the archive — it’s kind of interesting.
BILL PASSES out of the Transportation Committee 1/26/2012, on an 8-2 vote. It was passed “DP” (do pass. i.e. passed without any amendment). If you didn’t see it live, you can catch it on archived, but it looks like there is a day or two delay…
Prima Facia
I haven’t paid any attention to this up until now (and it was in the bill since it was first introduced in 2009), and perhaps I should have because it looks to be a serious flaw. The bill as written automatically places bicyclists in a weaker legal position if they become involved in a collision with a motorist who also has a stop. This should be addressed an corrected so that bicyclists aren’t assumed to be liable in such a situation (liability should be assigned according to what actions the bicyclist and driver took, not just that a bicycle is a bicycle). I’m not sure if the Idaho approach, see 49-720, fixes this or not. I would think it does. They made a separate statute in the bicycling chapter; it doesn’t piggy-back on the yield-sign law.
There’s also some confusion at 4-way (all-way) stops.
4 responses to “Bicyclist stop sign law changes re-introduced”
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Hurray for the Idaho stop! I wrote my AZ legislators last year about this and I guess I better do the same again this year.
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azbikelaw January 27th, 2012 at 23:14
At the hearing, the chair referred to obtaining records (for 3 or 5 years worth) of data regarding bicycle collisions at stop signs, and citations. I don’t think anyone keeps track of citations by the type of operator, but you never know. This request would presumably get funneled to
Kevin Biesty http://www.azdot.gov/Executive_Leadership/kbbio.asp
Kevin joined ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division in February of 2000 as the Division’s legislative liaison. He is now serving as the Department’s Government Relations and Policy Development Office Director.
Previously, he served as Legislative Liaison for the Arizona Department of Economic Security and prior to that served on staff at the Arizona State Senate. Kevin received his Bachelors Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.
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James Parvis January 28th, 2012 at 09:19
I think this law would endanger cyclist and cause serious concerns for automobile operators. It is my experience that a large majority of cyclists ignore stop signs and a lot of others driving rules and regulations. In todays enviorment I believe cyclist should have to license their bikes and carry liability insurance prior to operating on public roads and highways. Lets get serious about enforcing the laws that all people are subject to when operating a vehicle, motorized or non mortorized. Bike registration would also create additional revenue to help maintain roads and bike paths.
Thank You
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Steve Abel February 16th, 2012 at 23:14
I like the legislation HB2221 for a reason that has probably been mentioned, but I’ll say it here. Once a cyclist stops or puts his foot he gives up all ability to avoid threats. This control comes from rolling motion and the ability to steer away from approaching danger. This is unique to 2 wheel vehicles which get their agility from motion not hampered from time lost remounting…
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Andy January 12th, 2012 at 19:26