OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate passed a bill today to clarify how motor vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists and other users are to share the road.
Senate Bill 5723, which passed unanimously, makes numerous changes to state rules on passing and following vulnerable road users, and provides an additional penalty for certain traffic infractions involving a motor vehicle and a vulnerable user of the road. Revenues from fines would be used to educate law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges about opportunities for enforcement of traffic infractions and offenses committed against vulnerable roadway users.
“This is a wonderful bill that protects folks on bikes, on foot, in wheelchairs, and others when they’re using our roads,” said Sen. Emily Randall (D-Bremerton), the bill’s sponsor.
“The people of Washington—and our planet—are facing a collective health crisis. This bill encourages Washingtonians to get out and use alternative methods of transportation that will help keep themselves and our planet safe and healthy.” The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
