Bikers might feel safer riding around campus if legislation promoting biker safety is passed in the state Senate.
The bills, introduced May 5 by state Sen. Tom George, R-Texas Township, would require driver’s education classes to provide instruction on bicycle law and increase awareness of bicyclists on the road.
The bills also would include provisions for higher penalties in the case of the injury or death of a bicyclist.
“There have been several bicycle-car collisions,” said Sherry Sofia, chief of staff for George. “It’s not just other vehicles on the road, but (drivers) have to share the road with sometimes nonmotorized vehicles like the bicycles.”
Educating future drivers on the proper interaction between motorists and bikers would be beneficial, said Suzy Carter, executive director of the Lansing Area Safety Council.
“It goes right along with interacting with school buses and funeral processions,” she said. “I think it’s a great place to start and I think it will certainly try to encourage more physical activity.”
In a city with so many students riding bikes from class to class, legislation to promote the safety of these bicyclists is important, East Lansing police Chief Tom Wibert said.
“I can tell you that we probably have more car-bicyclist accidents than the average community,” he said.
Under the legislation, those were convicted of injuring a bicyclist would face punishment of up to a year in prison or a $1,000 fine.
Those who kill a bicyclist might be imprisoned for up to 15 years or fined $7,500.
These punishments might create more awareness on the roads and prevent accidents, Wibert said.
“Hopefully maybe a stronger punishment would put that notion farther up in someone’s mind as they are driving,” he said.
Others who have experienced the risks of biking on campus said the education is important.
“I think it’s extremely important that drivers are aware of bikers’ rights,” said Kendra Tabor, a 2009 MSU alumna. “I’ve almost gotten hit … when I was on my bike one time, and I had the right of way.”
If passed, the legislation will be a good thing for the state, but it will take time to see a significant change, said John Lindenmayer, associate director of the League of Michigan Bicyclists.
“I think nothing’s going to change over night,” he said. “Helping to educate motorists from day one will help create a culture where people share the road.”
The bills promoting more driver education instruction are currently before the Senate Transportation Committee, and those enhancing penalties are before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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