No more group rides in Texas?
A new bill introduced by Texas state senator Jeff Wentworth proposes to amend the state transportation code and make life very difficult for groups of cyclists riding on the roads of Texas. SB238 would require cyclists to ride single file on roadways, and would restrict groups of three or more from many small rural roads. The bill would also require cyclists to have a "slow-moving-vehicle emblem" when riding on roadways. The bill has been sent to the Texas senate's State Affairs Committee. The Texas Bicycle Coalition is urging that Texas cyclists write to their own state senators and
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By Bryan Jew, VeloNews Senior Writer
A new bill introduced by Texas state senator Jeff Wentworth proposes to amend the state transportation code and make life very difficult for groups of cyclists riding on the roads of Texas. SB238 would require cyclists to ride single file on roadways, and would restrict groups of three or more from many small rural roads. The bill would also require cyclists to have a “slow-moving-vehicle emblem” when riding on roadways. The bill has been sent to the Texas senate’s State Affairs Committee.
The Texas Bicycle Coalition is urging that Texas cyclists write to their own state senators and representatives to voice opposition to the bill.
One Texas cyclist, Paul Read of the Zaxby’s professional cycling team, said, “The whole stigma and reaction to cycling is really negative [in Texas]. I’ve had a bad experience here just as a result of riding my bike to work. I’m not surprised that someone’s trying to enact this legislation.”
However, Read noted the quick response of the local cycling community toward the bill. “I’m excited about the unity within the cycling community to come together and deflect this type of legislation,” he said.