HB 632 -- Bicycle Safety

Sponsor:  Sutherland

This bill changes the laws regarding bicycle safety.  In its main
provisions, the bill:

(1)  Revises the definition of "bicycle" to include vehicles
propelled by human power having two tandem or parallel wheels and
one or two forward or rear wheels, all of which are more than 14
inches in diameter;

(2)  Prohibits blocking or obstructing a designated bicycle lane
with a parked or standing motor vehicle or other stationary
object;

(3)  Establishes standards for motorists crossing bicycle lanes;

(4)  Defines a "designated bicycle lane" as a portion of the
roadway or highway which has been designated by the governing
body having jurisdiction over the roadway by striping with
signing or pavement markings for the preferential or exclusive
use of bicycles;

(5)  Requires a motorist when passing a bicyclist or pedestrian
to leave a safe distance, not less than three feet, between the
motor vehicle and the bicycle or pedestrian.  Failure to comply
with this provision is an infraction unless an accident occurs,
making it is a class C misdemeanor;

(6)  Provides that bicycles operating at less than the posted
speed limit or slower than the flow of traffic may be operated on
the shoulder adjacent to the roadway; and

(7)  Provides that a bicyclist must signal in the same manner as
other vehicles except that continuously signaling by hand and arm
is not required if the hand is needed for the control or
operation of the bicycle.

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated August 25, 2005 at 1:20 pm