Arizona bill would make it illegal to harass cyclists

A new piece of legislation aimed at reducing cyclist harassment is working it’s way through the Arizona Legislature.

House Bill 2528, which is sponsored by District 25 Republican Justin Olson makes it a misdemeanor to harass a cyclist if they fall or stumble.

The bill reads:

Section 1.  Title 13, chapter 29, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 13-2921.02, to read:

13-2921.02.  Cyclist or pedestrian harassment; classification

A.  A PERSON COMMITS CYCLIST OR PEDESTRIAN HARASSMENT IF THE PERSON CAUSES ANOTHER PERSON WHO IS WALKING OR RIDING A BICYCLE ON A ROADWAY TO CRASH, STUMBLE OR FALL BY INTENTIONALLY DOING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

1.  INTIMIDATING OR HARASSING THE PERSON.

2.  THREATENING TO CAUSE PHYSICAL INJURY TO THE PERSON.

3.  THROWING OR EXPELLING ANY OBJECT AT OR IN THE DIRECTION OF THE PERSON.

B.  A VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION IS A CLASS 1 MISDEMEANOR.

BICAS board member and Attorney Erik Ryberg said he thought perhaps the falling language was used as a way to show the cyclists or pedestrian was harmed because of the harassment.

But, he said, the fear that cyclists and pedestrians experience when they are are harassed on the road should be enough and thinks the bill should be rewritten to make all harassment illegal even if the cyclist or pedestrian doesn’t fall.

Several emails and phone calls to Olson’s office have not been returned.

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