Action Alert from BikeTexas
As you know, Governor Perry vetoed the Safe Passing Bill (SB 488). This bill would have made Texas roads safer by requiring motorists to give three feet clearance when passing a cyclist or other vulnerable road user.
But now we have a chance to enact this law right here in Austin - this Thursday, the Austin City Council will vote on an ordinance to implement the 3-foot passing law in Austin! It will be Agenda Item #30.
What you can do:
Register your support for Safe Passing in Austin! Stop by Austin City Hall (301 W. 2nd Street) anytime, starting today until the item is considered on Thursday. You can register on any of the kiosks in the atrium.
Attend the City Council meeting on Thursday, if your schedule allows. Let's show the Councilmembers that Austin supports Safe Passing! You don't need to sign up to speak. The presence of hundreds of cyclists will speak for itself! The item will likely be heard between 10 and noon.
Between now and the next legislative session, BikeTexas will be working hard to get Safe Passing ordinances passed in as many Texas cities as possible. The ordinances will all have identical language to the bill Gov. Perry vetoed.
If we show strong support across the state for the bill in its current language, we will be well-positioned in the 2011 Texas legislative session to get a Safe Passing law passed for good!
We will update you when we find out a more specific time that the ordinance will be considered. Please feel free to contact us if you would like more information, at 512-476-7433, or mail@biketexas.org.
See y'all on Thursday! Yay Austin!!
