Legislation Designed To Make MI Roads Safer For Bicyclists

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You can count state Senator John Proos as among Michigan lawmakers backing new rules to make the streets safer for bicyclists. The plan was introduced in the wake of this year’s mowing down of a group of bicyclists in Kalamazoo County. Proos tells WSJM News the incident reminds us all of the need for safe streets.

“I think it’s important that we recognize that our safe communities also mean communities that allow for bicycles and pedestrians, and folks walking ,” Proos said. “We want to encourage that active lifestyle, anyway, and part of that is making sure that our roadways are as safe as possible.”

The new legislation requires drivers to give bicyclists at least five feet of space when passing them and requires at least three hours of education on bike and motorcycle safety in drivers ed classes. It now goes to the Michigan House.