Title
Discussion of HB 101 and 180 - Amendments to Title 40 of the O.C.G.A. - Guidance
Body
Action Required:
Guidance
Description:
HB 101 (otherwise known as the Better Bicycling Bill) seeks to amend O.C.G.A. Title 40 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic) to provide safer conditions for bicyclists and motorists. The legislation is co-sponsored by Representative Doug McKillip (115th District) and Representative Doug Holt (112th District). Some highlights of the legislation include:
• Clarification of the definition of a bicycle lane and integrating bicycle lane throughout Title 40;
• Prohibiting motor vehicles from blocking bicycle lanes;
• Clarification of hand signals for bicyclists;
• Referring to paved shoulders, clarification of where bicyclists can ride;
• Clarification of the lighting and reflectors required on bicycles; and,
• Other provisions
HB 180 (otherwise known as the Tony Serrano Three Feet Safe Passing Act) seeks to add a new Code section to Title 40 requiring motor vehicles to leave a safe distance between vehicles and bicycles when overtaking bicyclists. Safe distance has been defined as not less than three feet. The legislation is sponsored by a number of Legislators including Wendell Willard (49th District), Lynne Riley (50th District), and Tom Taylor (79th District).
Comments:
As of March 21, HB 101 has passed the House and is currently in the Senate Public Safety Committee. Action is expected before the end of the Legislative Session.
As of March 21, HB 180 did not make it out of the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee before Crossover Day unless it is attached to another vehicle it is dead for this year.