Covering Tucson's bike community

Two bills that could have a major effect on riding bikes in Arizona advanced through the state’s House Transportation Committee yesterday.

A bill allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs (HB2211) and a bill banning texting while driving (HB2512) advanced past the Transportation Committee for the first time in four and six years respectively. Both votes were 6-2 in favor of the bills.

The bills’ co-sponsors caution that there are still challenges to getting the bills in front of the legislators for a vote.

Rep. Daniel Patterson, D-Tucson, has been trying to get the yield law passed for the last four years. He said now that the bills have passed the Transportation Committee they go on to the Rules Committee.

He said usually this isn’t an issue, but in this case the chairman of the Rules Committee, Rep. Jerry Weiers, R-Glendale, was one of the two no votes during the transportation committee hearing.

Rep. Steve Farley

Patterson said the Rules Committee is designed to ensure the language is constitutional and then forward the bill on to the house.

“Unfortunately sometimes politics get played in the Rules Committee and the chairman has broad powers to just sit on a bill and not do anything with it if he chooses,” Patterson said.

Patterson said he would work with Weiers to assuage him of any concerns about the yield bill.

The texting ban is in a similar position. While it passed the Transportation Committee, its fate is in the hands of Weiers and the Rules Committee.

Both Patterson and Rep. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, who has been pushing for a texting ban for six years, suggested the public email Weiers letting him know they support the bills and want them moved out of the Rules Committee.

Patterson said the support from the 15-20 cyclists that showed up at the hearing went a long way toward getting the yield law approved.

He said one cyclist told the members about his commute through Phoenix that takes him past 50 stop signs. He told them about how inefficient it is to stop 50 times during a commute.

Patterson said passing the yield law would benefit the state.

“It would make Arizona an even more bike friendly state,” Patterson said. “Certainly I would hope it would improve chances of Tucson and Pima County achieving platinum status and then some cities in other parts of the state trying to achive higher ratings as a bike friendly community.”

Farley said there is still a lot of work to do to get them made into law, but he is happy they were moved forward in the progress because both bills will make road users safer.

Post any interesting links in the comment section.

Local

• 2 Wheelin’ in Tucson: Safe Routes to School Program gets kids on bikes
• UA tackles bike, pedestrian crowding

State

• Bicycle and Pedestrian Funding (still) at Risk
• Proposal planning a bike co-op in historic building approved by county

National

• House Bill Threatens to Eliminate Bicycle and Pedestrian Funding
• Help save cycling – Transportation Committee to vote on bike/walk funding soon
• Study: Bicycling Generates $365 Million in Economic Activity in Iowa
• Why people flee the scene of hit and runs
• Volkswagen now major sponsor of Bikes Belong’s ‘People for Bikes’ campaign
• Creating ‘The Most Bicycle Friendly City in America’ … In Southern California
• US teacher tracks his bike rides by GPS – and creates some stunning artwork

International

• Bradford newspaper deliverers scoop bicycles in T&A contest
• Victoria Pendleton ditches her track bike as she debuts new ladies cycle range
• France: Bicycling around Provence, at your own pace

REWARD! for information leading to the recovery of my dark green Santa Cruz Heckler was stolen on 1/22. Bike is size XL. Parts include Fox 36 TALAS fork, Mavic Crossline wheels, SRAM X9 shifters and derailleurs, Hayes disc brakes, Shimano SLX cranks, Shimano pedals, Joplin 4 dropper seatpost, WTB saddle, Easton carbon handlebars, black ODI ruffian grips, Kenda Nevegal tires. Please call 4three5-6six8-24one5. Thanks.

Make: Sun
Model: [model]
Color: Blue
Serial # :k05d17400
Purchased: Swap meet
Where stolen: Tucson, AZ
Time: 3:30-6:30
Date: 1/22/2012
Type of lock: U-Lock
Report #:
Unique traits: Wobbling back tire

Theft description: The bike was stolen from the side entrance to my backyard. The theft had occurred between the hours of 3:30pm and 6:30pm while I was taking a nap. I went outside later and found the door open and the bike gone. The bike is royal blue and has a lot of scratches and the petals are pretty banged up. Also the back tire rim is very wobbly. Any help is appreciated.

Make: Balance
Model: Balance AL 750
Color: Polished Aluminum w/ Saphire Fade
Serial # :W41100915
Purchased: Tempe Bikes
Where stolen: Residence — Near Swan and River Roads
Time: Before 5:30 AM
Date: 01/24/2012

Type of lock: Kryptonite Evolution

Report #: 120124126 Pima County Sheriff’s Dept.

Unique traits: Ringle RPM Wheels/Marzocchi Marthon SL

Theft description: Stolen from porch at residence.