h_tra_2016a_2016-02-17t13:33:46z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 02/17/2016

01:34 PM



Representative Tyler, chair, called the meeting to order.



01:35 PM -- HB16-1205



Representative Klingenschmitt, prime sponsor, came to the table to present House Bill 16-1205. He distributed a fact sheet on the bill, written testimony from a constituent, and a transcript of a conversation he held with the California State Patrol (Attachment A). Current law prohibits a motorcyclist from driving between rows of motor vehicles or passing on the right. The bill allows a motorcyclist to drive between rows of motor vehicles or pass on the right when traffic is moving at less than 5 miles per hour (MPH) if the motor vehicles are traveling in the same direction as the motorcyclist, the motorcycle drives no faster than 15 MPH, and the motorcycle does not exceed the speed of traffic by more than 10 MPH. A motorcyclist may not pass on the right when a vehicle is using the shoulder. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) may notify the public of these changes.



160217 AttachA.pdf



01:45 PM



Representative Klingenschmitt responded to questions from the committee.



01:56 PM -- Jim Bensberg, representing the Powersport Dealers Association of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Bensberg responded to questions from the committee.

02:04 PM -- Dave Hall, representing Colorado State Patrol, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Hall responded to questions from the committee. Representative Klingenschmitt discussed a conversation he held with California State Patrol, as seen in Attachment A.



02:28 PM



Discussion of motorcycle safety and enforcement ensued. Mr. Hall responded to more questions from the committee.



02:34 PM -- Deb "Tiger Chandler", representing the Coalition of Independent Riders and the U.S. Defenders, and Diablo, representing the Colorado Confederation of Clubs, testified in support of the bill.

02:41 PM -- Bruce Downs, representing ABATE of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

02:45 PM -- Kirk Fry, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He distributed a position paper in support of motorcycle lane splitting from the Motorcycle Industry Council (Attachment B). Mr. Fry responded to questions from the committee.

03:03 PM -- William Jones, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.



160217 AttachB.pdf



03:05 PM



Representative Klingenschmitt made his closing comments on the bill.