Bicycling groups across Wyoming are criticizing a state House bill that would require cyclists to carry government-issued IDs and wear 200 square inches of reflective or neon gear.
The bill hints at “anti-bike mentality”, said Amber Travksy, president and founder of the 366-mile Tour de Wyoming group ride. “Distracted driving is really a big problem too,” she said. “Let’s ... talk about this as a package deal, without kind of blaming cyclists for being there.”
Travsky plans to attend a transportation committee meeting Tuesday night to oppose the bill. “I’m hoping that we kill it today.”
In 2014, the state saw a spate of high-profile bicycle deaths in some of its largest cities. It was also demoted in an annual bicycle-friendliness ranking of the 50 states issued by the League of American Bicyclists. Wyoming was the 33rd most bike-friendly state in 2013, but fell to 36th in the most recent assessment.
Requiring cyclists to both wear 200 square inches of reflective clothing – about the size of a standard cookie sheet – and carry an ID would make the law a “singularity”, said Darren Flusche, policy director for the League.
“We are not aware of any statewide law that requires carrying ID,” said Flusche. “In terms of the reflectivity, it would certainly be very, very rare.”
The state already requires cyclists to outfit bikes with lights or reflectors. The new bill, HB0206, would require lights, reflective gear and identification. The bill’s language is very brief, and doesn’t answer questions whether bike-riding children would be required to carry IDs, or if any enforcement provisions will be added.
“As far as the actual threat posed to public safety, a far greater good would be achieved by focusing on risky behavior of motorists,” Jackson Hole Community Pathways coordinator Brian Schilling told the Jackson Hole News & Guide. The group works to improve pedestrian, biking and skiing paths.
“Since they are operating vehicles with far greater potential for causing injury or death, they also have greater responsibility for safe operation of those vehicles,” he told the News & Guide.
The bill is sponsored by six Republican members of the state House, including the majority whip, but it hasn’t been sponsored by any members of Wyoming’s Senate. None of the six co-sponsors could be immediately reached for comment.
The legislature is also considering two more bike safety bills, one of which would require motorists to stay at least 3ft away from cyclists when passing, and another which would require a comprehensive study of bike safety and the establishment of a governor’s bike taskforce.
“I wear a very bright jacket, and I put lights on my bike, and I have been hit,” Travsky said. “You do everything you can do, but it is my choice to do that.”
