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We’ll just have to try again next year
Aren’t state politics great? I used to take a lackadaisical approach to Gepetto and his elected puppets. The longer I’ve lived in Austin, the more interest has taken hold. It’s sometimes disheartening to discover which bills failed during the legislative session and the consequences that follow.
Take our governor and his refusal to pass the safe passing bill. One report says “The governor mistakenly thinks that the bill puts all of the responsibility on the motorist.” Really? Isn’t it his job to know the details of every bill that comes across his desk? Kind of like the general public probably expects a journalist to know how to spell. It’s pretty basic stuff.
The worst news is for those of us who cycle daily on these streets. There is no three-feet clearance law. Not that it would make much difference to those of you who drive while talking on your cell while eating and trying to find a good song. One of the benefits from the law that never passed is that it would have helped put some legal onus on the inattentive driver who veers into a cyclist.
Maybe with more support and a more unified voice, the cycling community can help Gov. Perry read the fine print next time.
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By bikersmom
June 23, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this
I’ve been watching this from Arizona and I have to say, I actually thought it would become law. You are right, the law wouldn’t fix inattentive drivers, but I do think it would have helped injured cyclists receive insurance benefits. We used to half jokingly tell our son to cross in a crosswalk, because we could sue the driver if he was hit. (That theory might not work in Texas, I was within feet of being mowed down in a downtown Austin crosswalk last summer and the driver shrugged at us.)
So y’all have more work to do in Texas. Who were the lobbyists who were against the bill? How wide was the margin when it passed? Has anyone interviewed Gov. Perry to get more than the canned statement that was released?
Do not give up. Find a voice and a campaign that is simple and strong. If the cell-phone wielding drivers of SUV’s were the opposition, a good percentage of them are moms of kids riding bikes. I learned many years ago, if you want to get something done, get some PTA and Band moms involved, it will happen. :-)
Keep up the good fight.