Reporter: Kevin Keen

 

TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - A bill is pedaling its way around the state Capitol--one that would change the rules of the road for bicyclists. A pair of lawmakers wrote the proposed legislation, which would allow bikers 16 and up to treat stop signs as yield signs statewide. It's already coasted through a house committee, but opponents hope it hits a dead end.

 

“One side of it--those who are in favor of it--cite that it's a safety factor,” said Shelia Foraker of Perimeter Bicycling, which organizes El Tour de Tucson. “If you have a large group of cyclists that come up to an intersection, there seems to be some concern that they might not be able to stop as a group safely without colliding with each other.”

 

Perimeter Bicycling has not taken a position on the bill, but has heard from cyclists on both side of the street.

 

Foraker added some recreational and pro cyclists support the proposal because unnecessary stopping can be dangerous for them. Doing so requires them to unclip their shoes, which are attached to their pedals, causing them to possibly lose balance.

 

Many others oppose the bill.

 

“We, as cyclists, have screamed for a long time that we want the same,” she said, explaining the opposing side. “It's basically a rule of thumb where we have the same roads, the same rules and the same rights and responsibilities.” She said there's an attitude the rule change would be a back-pedal for the cause.

 

Opponents on two wheels and four tell KGUN9 News the rules could also put bikers and drivers at risk and raise new questions of liability in the event of a collision.

 

The bill will soon be sent to the house floor.