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Post by hikerjer on Jan 19, 2017 10:29:52 GMT -8
I know this is a backpacker's forum but I know many of you ride bicycles as well. And I'm not sure whether this should be here or in the PA but since it will get better exposure in the TR, I've posted ith here. The moderators can feel free to move it if they feel it's appropriatete to do so.
The wackos are taking over everywhere. This is the text of a bill introduced in the Montana legislature by a state representative banning bicycles from certain roads in the state. It's insane. Representative Barry Usher (R-Billings) who is introducing the bill is owner of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle shop in Billings. This is especially ironic since Montana is the home of the American Cycling Association, an organization dedicated to bicycling touring on the open road. Text of proposed bill below:
(5) (a) A bicyclist may not ride on a two-lane highway outside the boundaries of a municipality when there 24 is no paved shoulder on which to ride. 25 (b) For the purposes of this subsection (5), "bicyclist" includes a person riding a moped.”
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whistlepunk
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I was an award winning honor student once. I have no idea what happened...
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Post by whistlepunk on Jan 19, 2017 10:46:36 GMT -8
If the bill was just introduced, it would be interesting to watch how it fares in Committee. Such a law could restrict how much federal highway funding the state would subsequently receive. Committee hearings and analysis would reveal that.
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Post by cgaphiker on Jan 19, 2017 11:18:22 GMT -8
Write your state rep.
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Post by hikerjer on Jan 19, 2017 12:40:49 GMT -8
Trust me,I have. Talked to them personally in fact. They both agreed the bill is ridiculous, but then they are Democrats.
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Post by cgaphiker on Jan 19, 2017 12:51:55 GMT -8
Hopefully it will make a difference. It looks like a stupid law. And I don't even ride a bike.
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desert dweller
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Power to the Peaceful...Hate does not create.
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Post by desert dweller on Jan 19, 2017 13:30:34 GMT -8
99 percent of bike riders also own vehicles. They pay road and gas taxes and have the right to use the publicly owned streets.
If the State wants to limit bikes on public roads, then they should be mandated to extend the width of the road to accommodate the bike lane or create a bike lane that parallels the main road but separate. Either way jobs are created and safety is addressed.
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Post by hikerjer on Jan 19, 2017 13:55:09 GMT -8
desetdweller, your making far too much sense. This a Republican controlled legislature and anything that costs any money is almost certain to fail. Adding accomodatons and infrastructure for bicyclists that actually require appropriations, hasn't got a snowball's chance in Florida during July.
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swmtnbackpacker
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Post by swmtnbackpacker on Jan 19, 2017 14:45:29 GMT -8
It's probably appeasing the crudmudgeon set. I know some haters of a group of bicycle riders who do a local 100 mile Sunday ride on one of our scenic state highways, despite the alternative routes where there's no shoulder. Probably has something to do with asserting the "power of the auto" too..
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whistlepunk
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I was an award winning honor student once. I have no idea what happened...
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Post by whistlepunk on Jan 19, 2017 14:52:40 GMT -8
Federal highway funds now require state and local governments to involve bicycle projects. It does not necessarily mean bike lanes on every road, paved bicycle/multi-use paths elsewhere can also meet the regulations. The reasoning is a bicycle rider is not driving his car, thus reducing congestion and reducing the need for additional road lanes (there are other benefits, such as public health from exercise, and reduced pollution. The traffic congestion angle was used to get the language inserted into highway appropriations bills).
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Post by autumnmist on Jan 19, 2017 15:41:02 GMT -8
I suspect there will be a lot more unsound, unsafe and/or just nonsensical bills introduced in Republican controlled legislatures.
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Post by hikerjer on Jan 19, 2017 16:40:00 GMT -8
I suspect there will be a lot more unsound, unsafe and/or just nonsensical bills introduced in Republican-controlled legislatures. There always is. For example, one local Republican legislator introduced a bill allowing alcohol to be consumed in a car while it's being driven as long as the driver isn't drinking. His passengers could be drinking. I could go on and on.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jan 19, 2017 17:21:48 GMT -8
It appears to still be legal for drivers in the following states to drink while driving, just not be over the legal Blood Alcohol limit: WV, Cn, De, Mo, Ar, & Ms.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Jan 19, 2017 20:35:32 GMT -8
The restriction seems unreasonable. A lot of states have little or no paved shoulder on most state and county highways.
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Post by hikerjer on Jan 19, 2017 21:15:42 GMT -8
A lot of states have little or no paved shoulder on most state and county highways. That would be Montana.
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Post by vicioustom on Jan 19, 2017 22:01:39 GMT -8
Is there a bicycling problem in Montana? As in alot of congestion, car -vs- bike accidents, that sort of thing.
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