Interesting new law in Oregon. In the past BFW expressed interest in pursuing such legislation in Wisconsin and I had a state representative tell me there was no way in hell it would ever pass. Now that there is precedent...maybe it is time to revisit. -Dar
OREGON'S NEW "VULNERABLE ROADWAY USERS" LAW -> According to an article in the October edition of Oregon Cycling, "The 2007 Oregon Legislature passed HB 3314, creating an enhanced penalty for careless driving if it contributes to serious physical injury or death to a 'vulnerable user of a public way,' and will go into effect January 1, 2008. The purpose of this article is to discuss the Vulnerable User legal concept and its potential for improvement in safety for non-motorized roadway users such as bicyclists and pedestrians. Earlier this year, I wrote about the need for enhanced protection for vulnerable roadway users. The concept of "vulnerable roadway user" has been used by planners and safety organizations in Europe to categorize and describe non-motorized roadway users. "The label is a nice one because it incorporates the inherent vulnerability of humans who use the roads without being encased in a protective steel shell. Inclusion of the concept of vulnerability evokes a more sympathetic image and focuses on the shared vulnerability of these different user groups. By including vulnerable users within a single term, the requirement for protection is brought to mind to counterbalance the somewhat natural reaction some people have to improving safety by restricting access, such as by restricting bicycle access to freeways or pedestrian crossings or road access..." Source: http://tinyurl.com/967sjr Archive search: use "Search" window Archive cost: No Title: "Vulnerable Roadway Users" Author: Ray Thomas
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