Photo by LaTur
A new bike safety bill introduced into the D.C. Council today would, among other things, add questions about bike safety to the District’s driver’s license exam, require construction companies that block bike lanes to provide safe detours, and issue points on the licenses of drivers who fail to yield to cyclists sharing the road.
The bill, which was introduced by Councilmembers Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) and Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6), would also make it legal for cyclists to cross at pedestrian intersections and would remove the requirement that bikes in the District be outfitted with bells. As written, the bill would make it acceptable for cyclists to use their voices to make others alert of their presence.
If passed as written, the bill would also make the potential penalties for drivers who neglect to heed cyclists quite severe. Failing to yield the right-of-way to a cyclist would result in three license points and a $250 fine, while colliding with a cyclist after not yielding would bring a six-point penalty and a $500 fine.
Cheh’s office drafted the legislation with the input of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, which has pushed for several recent bike safety measures, including one making it easier for cyclists injured in collisions to sue the drivers who hit them.
