A152315DF6E342A18725850300712DB0 Hearing Summary

Senator Foote, bill sponsor, explained Senate Bill 20-061, concerning a requirement to yield to a bicycle in a bicycle lane.  He discussed safety issues in bike lanes and the uneven application of the law when a driver hits a cyclist who is lawfully using a bike lane.  Senator Foote distributed and explained Amendments L. 001 (Attachment A) which addresses two-way bike lanes, and L. 004 (Attachment B), which encompasses all authorized users of bike lanes (i.e. scooters).  

Committee members asked questions about penalties as outlined in the bill. 

Megan Hoffman, representing herself, testified in support of the measure.  She discussed her work as an attorney representing injured bicyclists, and noted inconsistencies in the application of current law across the state.

Committee members asked questions about public awareness and education to make drivers better aware of  yielding to cyclists in bike lanes. 

Kenneth Andrews, representing himself, testified in favor of the measure.  He stressed the need to be more cognizant of laws and automobile and bicycle safety.  He referenced a bike accident where the car driver was not penalized. 

Alexandra Clerkin, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.  She relayed a personal experience in which a driver failed to yield while she was lawfully riding in the bike lane.  She referenced the Denver Vision Zero plan.

Delores Marquez, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She discussed how a district attorney did not pursue serious charges on the driver who hit her while she was lawfully cycling in the bike lane.

Dennis King, representing himself, testified in favor of the measure.  He discussed his involvement with the Police Mountain Bike Association and stressed that the bill would assist officers in uniformly applying the law.

Molly McKinley representing Bicycle Colorado, testified in support of the bill. She stressed the importance of educating drivers and cyclists and greener transportation goals. 

Gary Harty, representing himself, testified in favor of the bill. He discussed teaching bicycle safety and offered related driving tips.

Michael Raber, representing Bike Jeffco, testified in support of the bill. He discussed European bike laws, and suggested more signage, as well as bicycle safety questions on driver license tests. 

David Chen, representing himself, spoke in favor of the measure.  He distributed a handout depicting his bike accident (Attachment C).  He stressed that the bill helps to clarify the rules of the road and makes it safer for bikers and car drivers alike.

Skyler McKinley, representing American Automobile Association Colorado, testified in support of the bill.  He cited crash statistics and noted that the bill helps drivers to know how to act when seeing a bicycle lane.  He offered to put related educational materials in his organization's magazine.

Kelsey Skoken, representing himself, testified in favor of the bill.  He explained that he is a junior in high school and received a citation for getting hit while he was biking in a bike lane.  He brought in his bike to show damage.

Eric Skoken, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He discussed his son's accident and confusion about the process that ensued. 

Teri Vogel, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill.  She shared that her husband was struck by a car and killed while cycling.  She stressed the need for awareness and clarity in the application of related laws. 

Committee discussion followed about careless driving penalties.

Tina Moses, representing Pedego Boulder Bike Shop, testified in favor of the measure.  She explained the importance of protecting bicyclists. 

Senator Foote recapped Amendment L. 001, which addresses two-way bike lanes (Attachment A).

Senator Foote recapped Amendment L. 004 to include other authorized users of bike lanes (Attachment B). 

Committee members discussed the bill and brought up concerns about the penalty structure as outlined in the bill.  Discussion followed about adding bicycle safety to driver license tests, the Denver Vision Zero plan, and bike safety education efforts.  

Senator Foote wrapped up his presentation and reiterated the merits of the bill.