Update: Senate Bill 910

An update on SB 910, the safe passing bill:

Today SB 910 passed the Assembly Committee on Transportation.  It was a narrow victory 8-5 with one abstention. Our very own Katcho Achadjian (representing the 33rd district, which includes SLO County) DID NOT vote to approve SB 910.

He is your elected voice in the State Assembly, it is important to let him know that this issue is important to you. Please take the time to contact the assemblyman to let him know as a constituent, you wanted him to vote yes on SB 910, in order to protect the safety of bicyclists on the road. You can find information about how to contact him via email, phone or mail on his website here. Feel free to use the following text in your letter:

Dear Assemblyman Achadjian,

As a constituent from the 33rd District and I am excited that SB 910 was passed by the Assembly Committee on Transportation, but am extremely disappointed that you did not vote in support of this important issue.

Cyclists too often face dangerous conditions on California’s streets due to motorists passing too closely. This type of collision is the leading cause of adult bicyclist fatalities in California and the U.S. Requiring motorists to give bicyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing, we can minimize a leading cause of deadly collisions and help more people feel comfortable about choosing to ride their bikes.

A specified passing distance provides a more objective and easily understood measure of what constitutes “safe” and gives law enforcement and the courts a more objective basis for enforcing California’s safe passing requirement. Most importantly, it helps emphasize a motorist’s special responsibility to safeguard more vulnerable road users like bicyclists.

In the future, I would like to ask that you vote yes on SB 910 when it returns to the entire Assembly later this year. Thank you for your time and consideration.

The Coalition will continue to provide you, our reader, with the most update information about this issue. Thanks so much for your support, we couldn’t do it without you!