2004 Bill to ban Iowa Cyclists from four-lane roads

Wed January 14 2004
Posted Jan 13, 2004
9,913

Take a look at the bicycle related bill at the Iowa Legislative General Assembly website.....we need to get this out to the bikers, have them write their legislators. This will directly affect the ability of cyclists to use roads as a form of transportation!! It is on of the 2004 Bills Approved Prior to Session that was sponsored by Senator John Putney from Gladbrook, IA . It can be referred to as Senate File 2001 While this bill has only been sponsored and is awaiting introduction into the Senate, we can make a difference now by contacting our legislators and informing them of cyclists rights be be on the highways. [updated Jan 19th 2004 6:45pm] Bill History When you communicate with your senators, legislators, etc. Please do so in a courteous, civil and professional manner. IF ANYHONE CAN SHED ANYMORE LIGHT ON THIS BILL, PLEASE EMAIL BIKER@BIKEIOWA.COM

[Here is the Bill. I have bolded the 'interesting' topics] SENATE FILE BY PUTNEY Passed Senate, Date Passed House, Date Vote: Ayes Nays Vote: Ayes Nays Approved A BILL FOR An Act relating to bicycles on primary highways and providing a penalty. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA: Section 1. Section 321.234, Code 2003, is amended by adding the following new subsection: NEW SUBSECTION. 2A. Notwithstanding subsection 2, a person shall not ride a bicycle on the roadway portion of a four-lane, divided primary highway if a designated bicycle trail, including a paved shoulder designated as a bikeway, runs parallel to the roadway and is adjacent to or within the highway right-of-way. This subsection applies to primary highways outside municipal corporate boundaries. Sec. 2. Section 805.8A, subsection 9, Code Supplement 2003, is amended to read as follows: 9. BICYCLE OR PEDESTRIAN VIOLATIONS. For violations by a pedestrian or a bicyclist under section 321.234, subsections 2A, 3, and 4, section 321.236, subsection 10, section 321.257, subsection 2, section 321.275, subsection 8, section 321.325, 321.326, 321.328, 321.331, 321.332, 321.397, or 321.434, the scheduled fine is fifteen dollars. EXPLANATION This bill prohibits a person from riding a bicycle on a four-lane, divided primary highway if there is a designated bicycle trail, including a paved shoulder designated as a bikeway, running parallel to the roadway. The prohibition applies to primary highways outside municipal corporate boundaries. The scheduled fine for a violation is $15. dea/pj/5

As always it is best to contact your own legislators to voice your opinons and concerns Find out how here: http://staffweb.legis.state.ia.us/find-leg/ Or if you already know who they are... find their e-mail here: http://www2.legis.state.ia.us/GA/79GA/Senate/Members/02Senate.txt Senator John Putney's Info is as follows: His Senate Profile website 1365 170th Street Gladbrook, IA 50635 Phone: (641) 473-2129 john.putney@legis.state.ia.us One more hurdle for cyclists!! Let's Make A Difference!

Other articles that have been posted since this news item: