Relating to the safe operation of bicycles, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable

234, a person riding a bicycle on the highway is subject to the provisions of Code chapter 321 (motor vehicles and law of the road) and has all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle.304 a vehicle is prohibited from overtaking and passing a bicycle when approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where the driver’s view along the highway is obstructed for a distance of approximately 700 feet; when approaching within 100 feet of any narrow bridge, viaduct, or tunnel; or when approaching within 100 feet of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing. However, the bill provides that a vehicle may pass a bicycle where official signs are in place directing that traffic keep to the right or a distinctive center line or off-center line is marked, provided the vehicle complies with the current requirements for overtaking on the left.304 is punishable by a scheduled fine of $100. However, if the violation causes a serious injury, a court could impose an additional fine of $500 and suspend the person’s driver’s license for not more than 90 days. If the violation causes a death, a court could impose an additional fine of $1,000 and suspend the person’s driver’s license for not more than 180 days. Current law requires a bicycle to have a front lighted lamp and either a rear lighted lamp or a rear reflector at any time from sunset to sunrise, and at such other times when conditions such as fog, snow, sleet, or rain provide insufficient lighting to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles on the highway at a distance of 500 feet ahead. The bill instead requires that, from sunset to sunrise, a bicycle must be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a steady or flashing white light visible from a distance of at least 300 feet to the front, and every bicycle or bicycle rider must be equipped with a lamp exhibiting a steady or flashing red light visible from a distance of 300 feet to the rear. The scheduled fine for a violation of this provision is $25. However, the bill provides that a citation issued for failure to have a front or rear lamp on a bicycle or on a bicycle rider must first provide for a 72-hour period within which the person charged with the violation can replace or repair the lamp. If the person complies with the directive to replace or repair the bicycle lamp, the citation must be expunged. The bill requires a person riding a bicycle on a highway with a speed limit of 45 miles per hour or more, other than for the purpose of crossing the highway at a crosswalk, to wear clothing and equipment which together contain at least 144 square inches of high-visibility or reflective material visible to the rear of the bicycle. The scheduled fine for a violation of this provision is $25. The bill provides that the provision does not apply to a person riding a bicycle as part of an organized bicycle riding event involving 500 or more bicycle riders at which one or more certified peace officers are providing traffic control and direction.