On Tuesday, June 7, 2016, an inexplicable tragedy struck the Kalamazoo region. An out-of-control driver mowed down nine experienced bicyclists, killing five and seriously injuring four others. In addition to this horrific tragedy, Michigan has sadly seen a startling increase in bicycle fatalities and injuries over the past two years.
The cycling community is grieving for the families and friends of the victims of each of these senseless tragedies. At the same time, we are calling for immediate action. Bicycle fatalities and serious injuries are far too common in our state. Michigan lags behind other states in protecting bicyclists, pedestrians and wheelchair users and is one of only eleven states without a law specifically requiring motorists to pass bicyclists safely. In addition, our driver’s education curriculum only gives a fleeting mention of how to safely interact with bicyclists on the roads.
In the wake of the horrific events in Kalamazoo, and on behalf of all the bicyclists and pedestrians who have lost their lives needlessly, Michigan CAN and MUST do better at protecting our most vulnerable roadway users.
We have a very narrow window of opportunity to advance these bills this fall when the legislature returns from summer recess, so it’s essential that we all take action and rally additional support. In tragedy emerges opportunity. This is our opportunity to create significant progress for bicycling in Michigan. Please support SB 1029 (O’Brien), SB 1030 (Knezek), HB 5002 (Darany), 5003 (Callton), 5004 (Callton), as well as ongoing legislative efforts to improve driver’s education in Michigan by contacting your lawmakers today. These bills safeguard vulnerable roadway users including bicyclists, pedestrians and wheelchair users and create clear standards for safe passing distances.
These bills are an important first step.
LMB is pleased to partner with the League of American Bicyclists on this important action alert.
Add your name to the action alert at by clicking HERE.
TAKE ACTION … SIGN > SHARE > SUPPORT!
1) Sign
Please take action today to write your lawmakers in support of a 5-foot passing law and vulnerable roadway user protections that create stiffer penalties for drivers who injure or kill cyclists.
2) Share
It will take all cyclists, from casual social riders to competitive cyclists alike, speaking with one voice to demand action. We must also solicit support from non-cyclists. In person and across social media, please engage your family and friends. If they care about you and your safety on the roads, they can play a significant role in advancing these bills.
If you are with a shop, club, event or other group where you are in a position to help rally support, we thank you in advance for posting this action alert to your email lists, social media pages, registration tables, etc.
Social media sized graphic can be found here and here.
3) Support
Lastly, please support LMB by joining/renewing your membership today. Our strength is truly in our numbers. Every supporter strengthens our voice and builds our political clout. As we meet with lawmakers and testify before committees, a strong, vocal, and well-organized base ensures our message is taken seriously. Thank you for your support!
Categorised in: Take Action