Bill > S2636

This bill aims to reduce traffic fatalities by promoting bicycle safety and protecting vulnerable road users. Key provisions include: - Requiring bicycles to have a red light and clarifying that vehicles must pass vulnerable users (e.g., bicyclists, pedestrians) at a safe distance of at least 3 feet when traveling at 30 mph or less, with an additional 1 foot of clearance for every 10 mph above 30 mph. - Defining and requiring the use of safety features like lateral protective devices, convex mirrors, and cross-over mirrors on larger vehicles (over 10,000 lbs) purchased or operated under contract with the state. - Allowing cities and towns to request a 25 mph speed limit on state highways and parkways within thickly settled or business districts. - Requiring the development of a standardized reporting form for crashes involving motor vehicles and vulnerable users, with the data to be maintained in a public database. The bill sets different effective dates for the various provisions, with some taking effect in 2021 and others in 2024.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Transportation (J)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2636