SDCBC Comments on repealing CVC 21202

[Judy Frankel]

"What is sdcbc doing to repeal discriminatory bike laws? How can we help?"

Judy:
I, Jim Baross, am replying for Andy who is out of town this week.

SDCBC and two Statewide bicycling organizations have not tried - yet - to directly delete 21202, though that is one of the stated goals of the Legislative Committee of the Calif. Assoc. Of Bicycling Organizations (www.cabobike.org).

So far our efforts have been to seek better training of police of the actual content and meaning of CVC 21202. With assistance from Senator Christine Kehoe we got the Calif Highway Patrol to recommend and the Peace Officers Standards Training (POST) to modify their traffic enforcement training materials to include more information about lawful bicycling in traffic.
This was to be rolled out/started in July, but I have not seen the finalized materials yet.

I have assisted for several years now the Calif. DMV with modifications to their Driver Handbook to more directly/accurately/completely provide info.
about how motorists and bicyclists are to operate together.

etc. etc. But not enough has been done - obviously. More needs to be done.

As you may be figured out, CVC21202, is widely misunderstood. Some advocates are trying to get proper/complete info about it to police and judges. Some are working out rephrasing of 21202 to make it clearer that bicyclists may use a full lane when necessary but must move over when conditions allow.
Some what to repeal 21202 and 21208 (Bike Lane mandatory use) completely.

I am supporting all of the above, but also advise that changing the laws, and/or the training won't very quickly change the cultural paradigm that feels pervasive across the US; that roads are for cars and people on bikes better get out of the way!

You asked what you could do to help. Join, support and become active in the bicycling coalition of your choice. Volunteer to support whatever approaches you favor. Become better acquainted with the situations we face
- become/be or befriend a trail and/or appeal lawyer eager to assist with legal issues. Become/be or befriend someone with law enforcement credentials/credibility who agrees with us and will carry forward persuasive information and/or training to cops, judges, attorneys and juries.

Or just send money to support efforts of others that you agree with.

Jim Baross
State Ambassador, League of American Bicyclists President, California Assoc. of Bicycling Organizations Former board member, California Bicycle Coalition Vice Chair, California DOT Bicycle Advisory Committee Co-Lead, SHSP Challenge Area 13 Chair, SANDAG Bicycle Pedestrian Working Group Spokesperson, San Diego County Bicycle Coalition League LCI Trainer & Effective Cycling Instructor #185

San Diego, California