Bill To Protect Cyclists From Careless Drivers Passes

"The bill provides that when careless driving results in injury or death of a vulnerable user, which includes cyclists, pedestrians, highway workers, horse riders, skateboarders and roller skaters, the driver would face a one-year license suspension and a maximum $12,500 fine. These penalties would not be imposed if the driver completes a traffic safety course and between 100 and 200 hours of community service."

"The driver would have to appear in court, not just write a check, said Scott Bricker, lobbyist for the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, the Portland-based organization that has been effective in shepherding a package of bike proposals through the Legislature this session."

"Bricker said the vulnerable user bill is designed to bridge a gap in Oregon law between careless driving, a traffic infraction that carries a maximum $300 fine, and reckless driving, a criminal offense that can include jail time but can be difficult to prove."

"Rep. Wayne Krieger, R-Gold Beach, complained that the bill lets cyclists escape responsibility. 'If you get into an accident as a result of something they do, you are the one who will pay,' said Krieger, who voted for the bill Wednesday."

"For some advocates, the bill doesn't go far enough. A bill creating the crime of aggravated vehicular homicide is likely to die in committee."