Bill would require a driving distance from cyclists and pedestrians

A bill requiring drivers to maintain a minimum distance from cyclists and pedestrians was heard by the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee on Feb. 6.

Under LB1030, introduced by North Platte Sen. Tom Hansen, drivers would be required to leave a minimum distance of three feet when passing a pedestrian, bicycle or electric assistive mobility device traveling in the same direction on a roadway.

A person who is in violation would be fined $100 to $300, depending upon the frequency of the offense in one year.

Various groups of citizens are using alternative modes of transportation to save money and get exercise at same time, Hansen said, and many of them have had fatal encounters on roadways. Accidents could be avoided if drivers were provided with clearer requirements for passing pedestrians on roadways, he said.

Ron Snell, a North Platte resident, testified in support of the bill. Bicycling is a “risky venture” because bicyclists are required to ride on the road, Snell said. A cultural shift needs to occur to make drivers more aware of the dangers of accelerating past bicyclists irresponsibly, he said.

“[The bill] will not solve everything,” he said. “However, it would [encourage] the culture shift and level of safety we consistently promote.”

Matthew Martin, executive director of Community Bike Project in Omaha, also testified in support of the bill. Many times law enforcement is uncertain of who is at fault when bicyclists are hit by vehicles, he said, so setting a minimum distance requirement for vehicle operators would help law enforcement make that determination.

No opposing testimony was given and the committee took no immediate action on the bill.