Bike law aims to protect cyclists

In light of a tragic cycling accident, a new law protects bicyclists on roadways from oncoming traffic.

House Bill 1108, signed by Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire in May 2005, prevents vehicles from passing other cars if an approaching bicyclist traveling in the opposite direction is visible on the shoulder, bike lane or roadway.

The law, enacted on July 24, 2005, came into effect after cyclist Ann Weatherill was killed by an oncoming vehicle on Highway 124 in Walla Walla in May 2004.

"The law is geared towards rural areas versus urban areas," said Seattle Police Department spokesman Sean Whitcomb.

There is no vehicle passing in Seattle because traffic in most areas does not exceed 30 miles-per-hour, Whitcomb added.

This issue is of greater concern to students on the UW campus. Junior Adrian Tayne, an ASUW Bike Shop employee and member of the Husky Cycling Club, said he was surprised the law had not previously been enacted.

Often, vehicles looking out for other vehicles may see a bike but not realize the cyclist is in danger, Tayne said.

A big part of the problem is road conditions and availability of bike lanes, he added.

Bicyclists ride in the middle of the road because there isn't a sufficient shoulder or too much debris in it, said junior Andrew Lincoln. The roads are not conducive to cycling.

"What we need is a separate lane," he said.

Lincoln, a student rider, was almost hit by a few weeks ago when he fell off his bike after a passing SUV got too close. Lincoln has been trying to get on the sidewalk.

"People don't think about bikes," said Tayne. "From experience, vehicles need to be more careful. On the other side, cyclists also need to be careful."

People on two-lane roads without reflectors or lights aren't going to be easily seen by drivers, he added.

Because of the busy streets and relatively low number of police patrolling at a given time in a given area, some students think the law will be difficult to enforce.

"To be honest, I don't think it will have an impact or be enforced since no one has heard of it," said Lincoln. Tayne said he didn't think it would make a big impact even if people do know about it.

Since the law is new, there is a lag between when it goes into effect and when it is enforced, which is why many are not aware of it, said Whitcomb.