More than 40 members of the Sumter Landing Bicycle Club pedaled to state Sen. Dennis Baxleyʼs office to thank him for introducing Senate Bill 116.
This bill requires drivers to vacate lanes closest to, or reduce speed as they pass, vulnerable road users. Drivers will be required to pass at a distance of not less than 4 feet from authorized emergency, sanitation or utility service vehicles or workers. Wrecker operators are also included.
Pedestrians and bicyclists would also be protected.
Past club president David Taylor explained to Baxley that club members would arrive during the morning in small groups as a safety measure.
Baxley told the bicyclists that he appreciated their show of support for the bill and urged them to come to the hearings.
“It really helps to have supporters appear, as it puts a face on those affected by the bill,” he said.
The bill will be considered by four different Senate committees as well as House committees. Baxley has teamed with state Rep. Charley Stone, who is sponsoring the bill in the Florida House of Representatives. The different committees will consider the bill in November and December and will hopefully be passed by the Legislature in January or February.
“Three thousand bills are proposed every year and only 300 are passed,” Baxley said.
