Senate File 2032 Withdrawn

Posted Mar 24, 2004
3,096

Cyclists Right to Share the Road restored! Who is to Thank? What is Next?

March 23rd 2004. A Day to remember, It is the day Senate File 2032 was put to rest. Did you think it was possible to defeat this bill? Did you think Iowa cyclists would get National coverage from this bill? Did you think good things would come from this bill? We Did - We Did - It Will

Who is to thank for the for defeating this anti-cyclist bill?

YOU ARE

THANKS to each one of you who took the time to send an email, a letter, make a phone call or have a face to face conversation with your senator or other legislator during this time of need. Without the public's avid (or shall I say rabid?) response, this bill would not have attained as much attention as it did. Our Voice was heard. We shared our cyclist opinions and high geared thoughts and made good things happen out of something that could have been very negative. Iowa cycling got a little bit better. Iowa Advocacy got a lot stronger, we we came together.

THANKS! and CONGRATULATIONS!!

What about the Senators leading the opposition in the House of Representatives?
We thank ALL the senators in opposition of Senate File 2032, but these 3 senators took Leading roles to defeat this bill.

Senator Joe Bolkcom Joe.Bolkcom@legis.state.ia.us A very avid cyclist who submitted 14 cycle-friendly amendment toward this bill. These 14 amendments are what finally killed this bill.
Senator Matt McCoy Matt.Mccoy@legis.state.ia.us An avid cyclist and runner - spoke at the initial Transportation committee meeting where this bill was introduced. Matt was highly opposed to this Bill from Day 1, and said some very good words for cyclists rights that day
Senator Steve Warnstadt Steve.Warnstadt@legis.state.ia.us Senator Warnstadt was also present at the initial Transportation meeting. His opposition efforts up front helped strength the cause to debate this bill.

If you have a moment, please send a quick email of thanks for their leadership during this debate.

What's Next?
Good Things! - An advocacy group has been forming for sometime with hopes of an organizing into a new, effective statewide bicycle advocacy group. The group will discuss how to take advantage of the interest in bicycling, trails and bicycle safety generated by the bill, and build on the existing infrastructure of the Bicyclists of Iowa City, BikeIowa.com, RAGBRAI, and the many clubs, bicycle dealers and others interested in bicycling in Iowa. One of the first agenda items is the proposal for an Iowa "Share The Road" license plate, where plate revenues can be used for trails, lanes, etc. If you'd like to become involved, please contact Mark Wyatt at mark@north-liberty.com. This is the good that can come from something bad. THANKS again, and keep that "Advocacy Hat" nearby because we are not finished yet! Happy Trails! miles & miles of Happy Trails...