Apr. 07, 2015
HARRISBURG — Committed to solving practical problems and ensuring safety, Rep. Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland) today introduced legislation to give motorcyclists the option to proceed with caution through an intersection when trapped due to an unresponsive red light.
“Traffic control signals that utilize a vehicle detection system are not always triggered by motorcycles due to their smaller size,” Bloom explained. “As a result, law-abiding riders become stuck at red lights that won’t turn green until a larger vehicle is detected. A local rider first brought this dilemma to my attention, and I’ve since learned that it’s a frequent problem for riders across the Commonwealth.”
Bloom’s House Bill 950 would allow the driver of a motorcycle or pedalcycle to proceed through an intersection, only after exercising due care as provided by law.
“If the vehicle detection system fails to recognize the motorcycle and the rider has come to a full and complete stop, the rider must then make sure it is safe to continue, and only then would they be able to lawfully proceed with caution through the intersection,” Bloom said.
Bloom’s “Ride on Red” bill is supported by the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education of Pennsylvania (A.B.A.T.E.), a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of the individual rights and safety of motorcyclists through political change, charitable works and public education.
“The purpose of this bill is not to give motorcyclists a free pass, but to ensure a safe and legal option to avoid waiting in perpetuity at a locked red light,” Bloom said. “This issue is more common than many people realize, especially on rural roads or during late hours when it could be some time before a heavier vehicle comes along to finally trip the unresponsive light.”
Representative Stephen Bloom
199th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abbey Haslam
717.260.6222
ahaslam@pahousegop.com
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