Today, the president of League of American Bicyclists (LAB, for its acronym in English), Andy Clarke, sent a letter to representatives Ramos Peña and Rodriguez Traverso in which he expressed their opposition as anti bike # 2433.
Founded in 1880, the LAB is the body of cyclists of all kinds, and promotion of the bike, oldest and largest in the U.S.. UU. They are responsible for representing the interests of 57 million cyclists in the U.S.. UU. The LAB has about 300,000 members (including PRBC).
Below you will find the text of the letter from Andy Clarke (English):
Traverzo Honorable Representatives and Jorge Iván Rodríguez Ramos Peña;
I would like to express my concern regarding language included in Puerto Rico House Bill 2433 requiring bicyclists to wear reflective vests between the hours of 6:00pm and 6:00am. The League of American Bicyclists shares your concern with nighttime visibility of cyclists and reduction of motorist/bicyclist crashes; however we disagree with this chosen approach. Along with our colleagues at the Puerto Rico Bicycle Coalition we strongly suggest that you reconsider moving HB 2433 forward.
The League of American Bicyclists is supported by thousands of cyclists throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. We work with, and on behalf of bicyclists at the federal, state, and local levels to build Bicycle Friendly Communities and States as places that provide safe accommodations for cycling and encourage their residents to bike for transportation and recreation.
Under Article 11.03 (H) Puerto Rico’s statutes currently require a front white light and rear red light or reflector. These laws, based on the Uniform Vehicle Code, are consistent with those of all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with only New Hampshire requiring any other additional reflective material be worn. The bill’s intent to protect cyclists is admirable; however the League feels that such a requirement places an undue burden on bicyclists themselves, and such equipment requirements are inconsistent with model laws and best practices.
As the bill introduction recognizes, bicycling for transportation is on the rise in Puerto Rico. This should be viewed- and encouraged- as a positive trend. The League offers guidance and technical assistance to communities and states on ways to better accommodate and encourage bicycling through the 5 E’s: Engineering, Encouragement, Education, Evaluation & Planning, and Enforcement.
Through working through these categories, communities across Puerto Rico can encourage bicycling as a healthy, environmentally sound, fun and safe form of both recreation and transportation.
The League welcomes the opportunity to work with you in creating a more bicycle-friendly Puerto Rico, but again insist that you not move HB 2433 forward.
Sincerely,
Andy Clarke
President, League of American Bicyclists
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