We have good news! Vulnerable road user legislation that the Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition endorses is moving along at the General Assembly. Sponsored by Senator Archambault and Representative McNamara, two companion vulnerable road user bills have been introduced that would enhance penalties when a motorist, not taking due care, kills or injures a vulnerable road user, defined as a pedestrian, bicyclist, wheelchair user, highway worker, police officer, emergency worker, or highway worker. The penalties are exactly the same as enhanced penalties for a few motor vehicle offenses that result in death or injuries already in state law. This is the same bill as S596 last year.
The House bill H7259 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, January 28 room 101 at the rise. I realize this is short notice, but invite individuals and groups that can support the bill to come to the State House to sign up, or testify, or send a letter to the Committee, or to RI Bike. The Senate bill S2082 has not been scheduled as yet, but we will let you know when it gets on the calendar.
Thanks for any help you can give.