Yesterday HB 257 passed
9-3 in Committee Executive Action. This bill would clarify the definition of a bicycle, provide
bicyclists with a minimum of 5 feet of clearance when overtaken by a motorist,
and add the requirement of the use of a rear taillight. Bike advocates such as Bike Walk Montana support this bill for the added safety gained by cyclists,
and the potential revenue from booming bike tourism experienced throughout
states similarly conducive to bike safety. With HB 257 passed in committee it
will now be heard on the House floor. If approved it will be reviewed in Second
Reading followed by Third Reading. If the bill reaches this stage it will be
heard in the Senate going through the same process as the House. Finally, if
deemed beneficial it will cross the Governor Bullock’s desk and may just become
law for Montanans.
