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In the state of Maine, there is legislation regarding an act to improve roadway safety and update bicycling laws. Although the legislation, L.D. #1808, hasn't completed its course through the statehouse,
it is so far in danger of being weakened. Thus far, the Maine House of Representatives has voted on it in a state that is weaker than its original language. It now faces the Maine Senate.
Major details of L.D. 1808 propose;
1. Require that motorists give three feet of clearance when passing bicyclists.
2. Allow motorists to cross the solid yellow centerline when safe to do so to pass bicyclists.
3. Clarify the requirement for bicyclists to ride to the right and give bicyclists some flexibility when
avoiding obstacles, glass, debris, drain grates, broken pavement, & right-turn lanes.
4. Strengthen Maine's bike helmet law for youths under age 16 with an enforcement option (i.e. 1st
offense; education, 2nd offense; $25 fine, that can be waived with proof of purchase of a
helmet).
5. Prohibit bicycle driving while under the influence of alcohol.
6. Provide a liability waiver for businesses with drive-up windows so they will be more likely to serve
bicyclists.
7. Separate bicycles from "toy vehicles" (skateboards, etc.) in Maine law.
8. Update the statute to include recumbent bicycles and other modern bicycle designs.
Full language of L.D. 1808 can be viewed at:
http.//janus.state.me.us/legis/LawMakerWeb/externalsiteframe.asp?
ID=280024789&LD=1808&Type=4SessionD=7
Although the house has voted on the bill today, the process isn't over in the senate and the more calls to state senators and house representatives can keep the bill alive in its original form. Contact your representatives and state senators of Maine and request that they support the Transportation Commitee's "Ought to pass" Report.
It's now up to you, Maine bicyclists.
it is so far in danger of being weakened. Thus far, the Maine House of Representatives has voted on it in a state that is weaker than its original language. It now faces the Maine Senate.
Major details of L.D. 1808 propose;
1. Require that motorists give three feet of clearance when passing bicyclists.
2. Allow motorists to cross the solid yellow centerline when safe to do so to pass bicyclists.
3. Clarify the requirement for bicyclists to ride to the right and give bicyclists some flexibility when
avoiding obstacles, glass, debris, drain grates, broken pavement, & right-turn lanes.
4. Strengthen Maine's bike helmet law for youths under age 16 with an enforcement option (i.e. 1st
offense; education, 2nd offense; $25 fine, that can be waived with proof of purchase of a
helmet).
5. Prohibit bicycle driving while under the influence of alcohol.
6. Provide a liability waiver for businesses with drive-up windows so they will be more likely to serve
bicyclists.
7. Separate bicycles from "toy vehicles" (skateboards, etc.) in Maine law.
8. Update the statute to include recumbent bicycles and other modern bicycle designs.
Full language of L.D. 1808 can be viewed at:
http.//janus.state.me.us/legis/LawMakerWeb/externalsiteframe.asp?
ID=280024789&LD=1808&Type=4SessionD=7
Although the house has voted on the bill today, the process isn't over in the senate and the more calls to state senators and house representatives can keep the bill alive in its original form. Contact your representatives and state senators of Maine and request that they support the Transportation Commitee's "Ought to pass" Report.
It's now up to you, Maine bicyclists.