The proposed bill was introduced to the State House of Representatives last week and is co-sponsored by approximately one out of ten House members.
In current situation, cyclists riding at less than the normal speed of traffic are expected to stay as close to the right-hand curb as possible. The proposed amendment would change the situation dramatically. It clearly states: “If a person is operating a bicycle within a no passing zone on a roadway that has no shoulder or a shoulder of less than three feet in width, the person shall stop the bicycle, move the bicycle off the roadway, and allow a faster vehicle to pass.”
The bill is sponsored by Mike Verchio, the chair of the State House Transportation Committee, whom Cycleicio.us branded as a man who consistently votes against legislation aimed at road safety.
“I mean this new law to actually restrict to actually dismount and exit the roadway is impractical and fairly unenforceable. It’s very unsafe for the cyclist and the motorist. I don’t think this bill is very well thought out,” Tim Rangitsch from bike shop Acme Bicycles told local TV station Kota.
What do you think about the proposed amendment? Would it make the roads in South Dakota safer?
