House OK’s updated bicycle traffic regulations, rider rules

The House on Thursday passed proposed legislation that would modify numerous bicycle-related traffic regulations.

HF462, sponsored by Rep. Connie Bernardy (DFL-New Brighton), contains a number of proposed changes related to riding rules, bicyclist duties and rules governing drivers when they interact with bikers.

[WATCH House Floor debate on the bill]

Passed 122-0, the bill now goes to the Senate, where Sen. John Jasinski (R-Faribault) is the sponsor.

Changes proposed in the bill include:

• establishing that bicycle lanes are part of the roadway, not the shoulder;
• broadening the definition of a “bikeway”;
• requiring drivers to leave a clearance of at least 3 feet (or half the vehicle’s width, whichever is greater) when passing a bicyclist, unless passing in a different lane; and
• clarifying that bicyclists riding on a shoulder have the same rights and responsibilities as when they operate on the road.

Bernardy’s bill would also amend a number of operating rules for bicyclists, including:

• permitting bicyclists to proceed straight through an intersection from the left side of a dedicated right-turn lane;
• elimination of a prohibition on impeding the normal and reasonable movement of traffic; and
• requiring audible signaling when passing an individual or another bicyclist.

Medical statement for disability permit

House lawmakers on Thursday also OK’d legislation authorizing licensed physical therapists to provide a medical statement for a person seeking to obtain a disability parking permit or disability plates.

[WATCH House floor debate on the bill]

Passed by a 122-0 vote, HF211, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Schultz (DFL-Duluth), now goes to the Senate where Sen. Jeff Howe (R-Rockville) is the sponsor.