“Vulnerable road user” bill introduced in Texas

Bill extends beyond bicyclists

Steve Hawley, Jan 21, 09.

State Senators Rodney Ellis and John Carona have introduced a bill designed to protect “vulnerable road users,” including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, construction workers, and stranded motorists, according to information on the Citizens’ Transportation Coalition forum.

According to the proposed text of the bill, motorists must “vacate the lane in which the vulnerable road user is located” if the road has two or more lanes in each direction, or pass with at least three feet of separation for cars and six feet for heavy vehicles if the road has only one lane in each direction.

The bill also gives vulnerable road users right-of-way at intersections and protects them from harassment. Violations that result in property damage would result in a fine of up to $500, while violations resulting in bodily injury would be punishable by a fine of up to $2,000, a jail term of up to 180 days, or both.

A similar bill was introduced in the House in November, but that bill would provide fewer protections and only apply to bicyclists.

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