Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands protections for bicyclists on roadways in Michigan by establishing fines for moving violations that result in serious injury or death.

Highlights:

• Defines “vulnerable roadway user” as any of the following (Sec. 79g):

• A pedestrian;

• An individual using any of the following:

• Roller skates;

• Inline skates;

• A nonmotorized scooter;

• A nonmotorized skateboard;

• An individual operating a vulnerable transportation device; or

• A wheelchair;

• An individual riding an equine (horse, pony, donkey, mule, or hinny) or in an equine-drawn carriage; or

• A United State Postal Service employee or contractor on their rural postal route.

• Defines a “vulnerable transportation device” as a device that is propelled by human power, or by an electric propulsion system of no more than 750 watts or 1 horsepower, including (Sec. 79h):

• An electric personal assistive mobility device;

• An electric bicycle;

• An electric skateboard; or

• A non-electric bicycle.

• Establishes the following penalties for individuals who commit a moving violation that results in harm to a vulnerable roadway user (Sec. 601c):

• Up to five years imprisonment and up to a $5,000 fine if the violation results in injury requiring inpatient treatment; and

• Up to 10 years imprisonment and up to a $7,500 fine if the violation results in death.

• Specifies that both imprisonment and a fine may be applied, and that conviction of a violation under this Section does not prohibit an individual from being charged with any other violation also committed (Sec. 601c.).

• Increases the penalty for failure to yield right-of-way to an emergency vehicle from $400 to $750 (Sec. 653a).

• Specifies that this Act takes effect 90 days after passage (Sec. 2)

• Specifies that this Act does not take effect unless SB 217 of the 103rd Legislature is enacted into law (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text