More than an hour was spent this afternoon in the Senate Trans Comm with a heavyweight slugfest between Sens. Saslaw & Watkins, who have competing bills over what type of equipment may be used to conduct auto emission tests in the EPA non-attainment areas (which are primarily in NoVA). Saslaw (who I believe is a former auto dealer) is championing the existing equipment, which was expensive for the inspection stations to buy and now they want to be able to get their expense out of it. Watkins is championing a new, cheaper, easier to use device (not fully tested against the other for accuracy) in the name of innovation and competition. Question didn’t get resolved or compromised and will be resumed next Wed.
Getting to bills of primary interest to us —
As promised, and reported this a.m. SB101/Blacksburg to install a contraflow bike lane on a one way street, was WITHDRAWN by the patron
SB333/banning mo-peds from all highways higher than 35mph Has been continued to the 2013 session at the request of the patron, and referred to VDOT’s non-conventional vehicle study group, which tends to meet during times when the legislature is not in session, and discusses and makes recommendations on such topics as “What kind of license does it take to ride a mo-ped?” “Does that same license permit you to ride a motorcycle?” Must you wear a helmet to ride a mo-ped?” etc.
Since bicycles are NOT considered a “non-conventional” vehicle, we do not have a seat on this committee, nor do we want to have one.
Due to the time taken up with the emission test equipment debate, Sen. Barker did not have his SB633/Helmets mandatory for all cyclists 14 & under, statewide” heard and it was carried over until next Wed.
He understands that we will neither support, nor oppose, the bill, preferring to leave it to local option, since 30 or so jurisdictions already have such ordinances. I personally do not want to be involved in answering questions of why we are discriminating against the poor kids who don’t have helmets, but do have bikes. Who is going to enforce this law, and give a $25 ticket to a 12 year old riding in his neighborhood, etc. We strongly recommend the wearing of helmets, by children and adults, but let the local jurisdictions decide if they want to make it mandatory, and handle the enforcement.
Although Lopez’ HB784/Motorist to exercise Due Care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian or bicyclist failed in Sub committee this morning, it appears that he has appealed to full Transportation Committee Chair Joe May for reconsideration, and his request has been granted, since I see the bill listed on the docket for tomorrow morning. Very short notice, but any calls to the Committee members offices might get to their attention before they go into the 8:30 meeting. John Cox 698-1055, (who voted AGAINST the bill in Sub Committee), Betsy Carr 698-1069 (who voted FOR the bill in sub comm) and Delores McQueen, 698-1070 are the only Richmond area delegates on House Trans.
Might be helpful for everyone to call Cox’s office, 698-1055, and express disappointment at his voting against the Due Care bill (HB784) in sub comm 2, and urging him to support it in full committee. Nothing wrong with thanking Betsy Carr either 698-1069, as she has always been a good friend of ours.
Other VBF members might do a quick check of the Committee and make a call if you have a delegate on it.
Bud Vye, RABA & VBF Advocacy Director
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