Amendments clarify bicycle safety legislation

HB49, which sets up bicycle safety provisions, passed out of committee Tuesday as amendments regarding responsibility were added to clarify the bill's proposed action.

Rep. Roz McGee, D-Salt Lake, is sponsoring a bill that would require passing vehicles to allow bicyclists three feet of clearance on Utah's roads.

"This bill is meant to ensure the safety for both the vehicle and the bike," McGee said.

It further clarifies liability restrictions for bicyclists and vehicle operators should an accident occur.

The main premise of the bill, however, involves the safety of individuals who choose to ride a bicycle on public roadways, McGee said.

"This is something very few people know about, the rules with bicycles on the roads, and this is a good way to let people know," said Rep. Patricia Jones, D-Cottonwood Heights.

A rally in support of HB49 will be held today at the Central West Plaza, near the state office buildings, at 11:45 a.m.