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RESOLUTION NO. 2007- 29 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MOSCOW, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, SUPPORTING STATE LEGISLATION TO EXPLICITLY PROMOTE SAFETY RIGHTS EQUALLY AFFORDED TO BICYCLISTS AND MOTORISTS ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS; TO PROVIDE FOR SAFE PASSING STANDARDS TO PROTECT BICYCLISTS; AND PROVIDING FOR THIS RESOLUTION IS TO BE EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE AND APPROVAL. WHEREAS, Moscow takes pride in promoting itself as a bicycle-friendly community; and WHEREAS, our region's courteous motorists and developing network of bike lanes and trails contribute to tbat reputation; and WHEREAS, health-conscious citizens are becoming increasingly aware of the value of exercise, such as tbat afforded by bicycling; and WHEREAS, recreational activities, such as bicycling, contribute to Idaho's economy through recreational tourism and development and sales of products; and WHEREAS, bicycling is a low-cost, fuel-efficient, low-polluting form of transportation that helps alleviate congestion on Idaho's roadways; and WHEREAS, the compact size of our City and proximity of the University campus are conducive to bicycle transportation; and WHEREAS, our City cunently ranks in the top one percent of all communities in the U.S. in percentage of workers who commute by bicycle; and WHEREAS, in collisions witb motor vehicles, bicycle users are particularly vulnerable to injury; and WHEREAS, according to Idaho Transportation Department, bicycle-car collisions were the most steadily growing trend over the five years preceding 2006; and WHEREAS, Idaho State Code Sections 49-103(1) and 123(2)(a) define bicycles as vehicles but do not explicitly use the word "bicycle" in the context of overtaking a vehicle; and WHEREAS, Idaho Code Section 49-714 provides that bicyclists have the same rights and duties as otber vehicle drivers (with exceptions as noted elsewhere in tbe Title 49, Chapter 7 Idaho Code); and WHEREAS, Idaho Driver's Manual (ed. June 2006) suggests safety measures for motorists passing bicyclists, including a safe margin between the overtaking vehicle and the bicycle of at least three feet 5-4); and RESOIXT!O:\ 2007 29 BICYCLE PASS!:-.lG PAGE! OF2 ---PAGE BREAK--- WHEREAS, specifying a minimum passing distance may be more enforceable than the "at a safe distance" language presently in the Idaho Code; and WHEREAS, at least fourteen (14) other states across the country, including Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin, have implemented legislation specifically to provide for bicyclists' safety; and WHEREAS, the Moscow Transportation Commission and the Council of the City of Moscow are in full support of this proposed change in order to make passing standards regarding bicycles and other nonmotorized vehicles explicit; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Moscow, Idaho as follows: The City Of Moscow Hereby Petitions Our State Legislative Delegation To: 1. Propose State legislation that adds the words, "When overtaking a bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle, a safe distance is a minimum of three feet clearance between the overtaking vehicle and the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle" to IC § 49-632(1) as its second sentence, and 2, Providing that upon passage, the City Clerk shall deliver this resolution to Representative Tom Trail, who has offered to carry such a proposal forward for consideration, and to Representative Shirley Ringo, Senator Gary Schroeder and Association of Idaho Cities Executive Director Ken Harward, PASSED AND APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Moscow, Idaho, this 3'd day of December, 2007 ATTEST: b RESOU'TIO:\ 2007-29 / BICYCLE PASS!:\G PAGE 2 OF2