Gov. Rick Perry vetoed the 3-feet law in Texas

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06-20-2009, 12:17 PM
Resi

Gov. Rick Perry vetoed the 3-feet law in Texas

I am very sad about this desition, there are just no word's for it. Which states have this 3 feet law? I know Florida does...
The country I come from (Switzerland) we have this law since I have been on this planet, meaning 51 years.
It is not only for cyclists, it is for all the vulnerable road users...why are we so powerless getting this through?

Why can't this be a US wide law... what do we have to do?

Well, be save on the road!

Resi

From the Office of the Governor website
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/veto/12636/

Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 488
June 19, 2009

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:

Pursuant to Article IV, Section 14 of the Texas Constitution, I, Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, do hereby disapprove of and veto Senate Bill No. 488 of the 81st Texas Legislature, Regular Session, due to the following objections:

Senate Bill No. 488 would create a new class of users of roadways, called "vulnerable road users," which would require specific actions by operators of motor vehicles. These vulnerable road users would include pedestrians; highway construction and maintenance workers; tow truck operators; stranded motorists or passengers; people on horseback; bicyclists; motorcyclists; moped riders; and other similar road users.

Many road users placed into the category of vulnerable road users already have operation regulations and restrictions in statute. For example, a person operating a vehicle being drawn by an animal is subject to the same duties as a motor vehicle, and a pedestrian is required to yield the right of way to a motor vehicle, unless he or she is at an intersection or crosswalk.

While I am in favor of measures that make our roads safer for everyone, this bill contradicts much of the current statute and places the liability and responsibility on the operator of a motor vehicle when encountering one of these vulnerable road users. In addition, an operator of a motor vehicle is already subject to penalties when he or she is at fault for causing a collision or operating recklessly, whether it is against a "vulnerable user" or not.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have signed my name officially and caused the Seal of the State to be affixed hereto at Austin, this the 19th day of June, 2009.

RICK PERRY
Governor of Texas

ATTESTED BY:
COBY SHORTER, III
Deputy Secretary of State

For a detailed view of this bill, visit http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLoo...81R&Bill=SB488.
06-20-2009, 12:39 PM
Reesha

I understand some of what he says-- the burden should not only be on motorists to be safe... there are plenty of reckless bicyclists out there! I am a little disappointed that the law didn't push through regardless.

What we really need is more bicycle education. More more MOAR!

http://imagezion.com/images/retrokenshin/moar.jpg
06-20-2009, 02:04 PM
BabyBlueNTulsa

That IS distressing. I suppose you could look at this small setback in that cyclists (and other vulnerable parties) aren't any LESS safe than they were before he signed his veto. Grrrr. Sounds like the wrong lobbyists got hold of him first.

Oklahoma has the 3ft rule. Didn't actually help our friends Christa and Matt from that drunk Tausha Borland...but I digress.. <sigh> Down with poor drivers and irresponsible cycling habits! (saw some today on the road) :(
06-21-2009, 07:50 AM
Aggie_Ama

Governor pretty hair is a moron. The worst part is he is a sometimes cyclist, he rode the MS150 the first year I did it! Our AAA and many motor groups supported the law. I believe he truly misunderstood the law. He famously got caught on camera telling a reporter that angered him "Adios Mofo" well governor, I would like to say "Adios Mofo" to him.

I am embarrassed that he is a proud Aggie too. :(
06-21-2009, 08:12 AM
Selkie

With the number of aides likely supporting/informing/advising him, he probably understood the law. Other factors -- lobbyists, big donors (big oil?), more vocal constituents -- probably influenced him. Or perhaps, this is just what he thinks is right. Texans can vote him out of office and the law can be changed. Doesn't make it right but at least this isn't necessary forever.

I was kind of taken aback by the fact that pedestrians have to yield to cars, even at intersections., in Texas. I'm glad that I live in a very pedestrian/bike friendly place.
06-21-2009, 10:16 AM
Resi

Ha, yes in Texas everything is different...

Well, besides the 3feet law, it all comes down to common sense, and education. There are many good drivers out there, don't forget them. But it needs only one of the not so nice ones which can change lives.
Since my move from Europe to Texas I have seen a big change in cycling. There are more and more people taking up road biking, which is fantastic.
So... more cars, more cyclists this means more regulations, which also should be tested in the drivers education. Remember, it could be also a child which is using the road not only the hard core bikers. Hope one day we will get there...

Therese
06-21-2009, 02:05 PM
BarbaraAlys

mickchick wrote:

I was kind of taken aback by the fact that pedestrians have to yield to cars, even at intersections., in Texas. I'm glad that I live in a very pedestrian/bike friendly place.

No, it said except at intersections and cross walks.

That is out good-haired governor. I sure didn't vote for him.

BarbaraAlys
06-21-2009, 02:13 PM
Aggie_Ama

I did find the friendliest little place for riding in Texas yesterday. DH will be racing in a small German settlement outside Fredericksburg called Doss next weekend so we re-conned the course. EVERY motorist waved, the locals at the Lutheran church we parked at just wanted to know where we rode and if I remembered sunscreen since I am so fair skinned. The only honk we got was a warning from a guy pulling hay that he was coming around some S-turns. Lovely area of the Hill Country and wonderful people, a truly great experience.
06-21-2009, 02:19 PM
Aggie_Ama

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resi

Why can't this be a US wide law... what do we have to do?

Well, be save on the road!

Resi

.

It goes to the structure of government here, states have a lot of power and your are in big oil country. Oil and thus cars are king in Texas, I don't expect a lot of change here in my lifetime but I still ride and love the state. There is action to change things from special interest groups but there will always be more money from oil interests. Even in the more progressive cities in the state bike friendly is not the norm.
06-21-2009, 02:47 PM
wackyjacky1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aggie_Ama

Governor pretty hair is a moron. The worst part is he is a sometimes cyclist, he rode the MS150 the first year I did it! Our AAA and many motor groups supported the law. I believe he truly misunderstood the law. He famously got caught on camera telling a reporter that angered him "Adios Mofo" well governor, I would like to say "Adios Mofo" to him.

I am embarrassed that he is a proud Aggie too. :(

+1

"Governor Pretty Hair." LMAO!
06-21-2009, 02:59 PM
Geonz

Quote:

Originally Posted by wackyjacky1

+1

"Governor Pretty Hair." LMAO!

Must be something with the hair thing. I thought Illinois had that covered...