Legislation sponsored by Assembly Republican Christopher J. Brown to make the state’s roadways safer for bicyclists today moved from the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee.
“May is national Bike Month, so it is appropriate that this measure to protect bikers was heard today,” said Brown, R-Burlington, Atlantic, Ocean. “With the warmer weather, more and more bicyclists — including dedicated long-distance bikers as well as inexperienced youngsters — will be on the road. We’re reminding motorists that they need to be alert for riders, and exercise extra caution.”
The bill, A-2090, establishes a fine of up to $500 for any operator of a motor vehicle who commits a separate motor vehicle offense that is the proximate cause of a collision with a bicyclist.
“The congested roadways in our densely populated state, and the fact that 60,000 bicyclists are injured or killed in vehicle-related crashes prompted a constituent to contact our office,” Brown said. “Most bicycle-car crashes are the result of errors by either the driver of the vehicle or the bike rider, so we want people to be careful out there.”
