Close encounters between Eugene city bicyclists and motorists are an everyday occurrence. A bill in the legislature could lessen the penalties for bicycle traffic violations, but may also put safety at risk.
House Bill 2690 would allow bicyclists entering intersections marked with traffic control signs to proceed without stopping, and permit riders to turn without stopping at an intersection as long as they yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
The bill would set the cap for the maximum fine – $360 – that could be given to a bicyclist improperly entering into an intersection with a stop sign or flashing red light.
The City of Eugene is the only collective municipal body to speak out against the proposed bill, citing it as a major safety concern for citizens.
“Under the law, bikers would be allowed to proceed through an intersection if they decide there is no immediate hazard. All I can say is that the word ‘immediate’ has a different meaning for everyone,” said Lee Shoemaker, City of Eugene bike and pedestrian coordinator. “Bicyclists complain about the rifts that exist between bikes and cars and are always saying that they want to have the same rights as cars, but then at the same time, they want to have this preferential treatment. It just doesn’t make sense.”
Rep. Deborah Boone sits on the transportation committee and says she is unsure what stance she will take on the issue. Boone is waiting to see if the bill is amended to restrict the law to residential neighborhoods only.
“There has been some talk about only making the law applicable to residential areas with a maximum speed limit of 25 mph, which was originally one of my greatest concerns. However, I am going to have to wait and see what the hearing on Monday will reveal before I decide what my stance on the bill will be,” she said.
In the meantime, Shoemaker urges Eugene citizens to consider other biking projects that would make their commute easier, including building bicycle boulevards and creating speed tables, which are similar to speed bumps, before they choose convenience over safety.
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