In an email to LCTV13 Mark Wyatt, the head of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, stated why his organization believes Iowa needs a law protecting cyclists.

The bill has passed one chamber of the legislature and will remain alive through next year.

The important part to note is bicyclists have rights to use the roadways as defined in the Iowa Code 321.234 and affirmed by the Iowa Supreme Court (Vasconz v. Mills 2001). The bicycle safety bill attempted to clarify bicycle in instances where police or prosecutors felt the law was vague. I also think the law clarified passing and following of bicycles which would have made it clear to the motoring public, driver's education classes and the drivers examination. Passage of law or not, there is a lot of work to be done to educate the public and law enforcement about the rights and duties of bicyclists on the roads.

While auto deaths have been dropping, bicycle fatalities have been on the rise with 8 deaths in 2008. Nationally, there are 773 fatal bicycle crashes vs. 42,000 fatal automobile crashes. While we don't have an accurate comparison on vehicle miles traveled, the bicycle seems to be a safe mode of transportation despite it's obvious vulnerabilities.

The bicycle remains a healthy, clean, and green way to travel for transportation. Half of automobile trips are 3 miles or less - the same distance can be covered with a 20 minute bicycle ride at an easy pace. Also, bicycle are a means of transportation for children below 16 years of age. Yet, the CDC estimates in 2001 16% of kids walked or bicycled to school, whereas in 1969 42% of kids walked or bicycled to school. Local trends are matching the national statistic.

Best rides,

Mark Wyatt
Iowa Bicycle Coalition
P.O. Box 572
North Liberty, IA 52317
515-309-2867 office
319-626-6017 fax
319-936-4948 cell
www.iowabicyclecoalition.org
mark@iowabicyclecoalition.org

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