William Petroski

bpetrosk@dmreg.com

Iowa motorists overtaking a bicyclist traveling in the same direction on a road would be required to pass to the left in an adjacent travel lane or on the opposite side of the road under a bill approved Tuesday by an Iowa Senate committee.

The driver would be prohibited from returning to the right side of the roadway until safely clearing the overtaken bicycle rider. However, the requirement would not apply if a bicyclist is on a paved shoulder or is in a lane designated for bicycle travel.

Senate File 2076, which was sent to the Senate floor from the Senate Transportation Committee, is aimed at saving the lives of Iowa bicycle riders, said Sen. Matt McCoy, D-Des Moines, who spoke in favor of the proposal. Thirty-seven states have similar legislation, he added.

"This was brought to us by individuals who care very deeply about preventing accidents and injuries on our roadways, and I think it will go a long way," McCoy said.

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Between 2005 and 2014, 53 bicyclists were killed in Iowa roads.

Motorists often ask why bicyclists are on roadways instead of bicycle trails, but it's important to recognize that bicyclists have a right to be on roads and that bike riders are often simply en route to and from trails or running errands, McCoy said. While on the road, they have a right to safety, he added.

Iowa law already prohibits motorists from steering their vehicle unreasonably close to a person riding a bicycle on a highway. The bill would broaden the law to include a bicyclist in a lane designated for bicycle travel.

Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, said Iowans should be aware that bicycle accidents happen to people they know. He cited the case of a former state legislator who was hurt riding a bicycle when he was struck by the mirror of a passing truck and the death of one of his constituents who was killed by a passing car.

"This is long overdue," Quirmbach said.

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Sen. Tim Kapucian, R-Keystone, said the proposal would simply confirm current policy, although he hopes it makes roads safer for bicycle riders.

”I hope bicyclists don’t get overconfident. You are still the one who is the most vulnerable, so don’t take it for granted that you will be safe out there," Kapucian said.

The fine for driving too close to a bicyclist is $250, while the penalty for violation of the state's passing law is $100.

The bill is supported by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition and the Iowa chapter of the Sierra Club. Several other lobbying groups are monitoring the legislation but haven't taken a position on it.