Help get the word out to Charlotte cyclists--Red light law

HB-1677 provides a means for cyclists to LEGALLY deal with red lights that fail to detect bicycles.

This bill was introduced Wednesday by Representative Mitchell Setzer.
It's currently in the Transportation Committee, which is chaired by Mecklenburg Representative Becky Carney <Beckyc at ncleg.net>.

Please contact your representative and Transportation Committee Chair Carney to ask for their support to pass this legislation.

It can become law, but they need to hear from US!

You can contact Mecklenburg Representative Becky Carney at Beckyc at ncleg.net or 919-733-5827 or send a card to P. O. Box 32873, Charlotte, NC 28232.

You can lookup your representative here: http://www.ncleg.net/ (lower-right corner)

HOUSE BILL 1677

Short Title: Motorcycles/Bicycles at Red Lights.

Sponsors: Representatives Setzer; Killian, Moore, and Saunders.
Referred to: Transportation, if favorable, Judiciary III.

April 19, 2007

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to allow the driver of a motorcycle or bicycle to proceed through an intersection controlled by a traffic signal only if the traffic signal uses an inductive loop vehicle sensor that activates the traffic signal and the inductive loop fails to detect the motorcycle or bicycle and activate the traffic signal.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1. G.S. 20-158 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:

"§ 20-158. Vehicle control signs and signals.

…

(e) Defense. – It shall be a defense to a violation of subsection (b)(2)a. of this section if the operator of a motorcycle, as defined in G.S. 20-4.01(27)d., or a bicycle shows all of the following:

(1) The operator brought the motorcycle or bicycle to a complete stop at the intersection or stop bar where a steady red light was being emitted in the direction of the operator.

(2) The intersection is controlled by a vehicle actuated traffic signal using an inductive loop to activate the traffic signal.

(3) No other vehicle was sitting or standing at the intersection.

(4) No pedestrians were attempting to cross at or near the intersection.

(5) The inductive loop that actuated the traffic signal was not activated by the motorcycle or bicycle.

(6) At least one full traffic signal light cycle had occurred or a minimum of three minutes has elapsed prior to entering the intersection."

SECTION 2. This act becomes effective December 1, 2007, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.