Passes & Canyons Blog

Bikes going up Pikes Peak.

As a casualty of the Covid-19 disruption the Colorado legislature was recessed and, now back in session, is killing bills wholesale so as to focus solely on those must-pass bills such as the state budget.

One casualty of this mass slaughter is SB-65, which would have made it illegal for drivers to operate cellphones or other electronic equipment while driving unless they were using a hands-free device. The bill had passed the Senate but did not make it through the House. Maybe next year.

Unfortunately, the bill to extend the MOST program is among those being pushed forward. The bad news and the bad news–there is no good news in this area.

But wait, there’s more. At the national level, the highway bill has had language proposed that would boost states that have mandatory helmet laws for riders under 18. Here is what the Motorcycle Riders Foundation has to say about this.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) was alerted by our contacts in the U.S. Senate regarding a proposed change to the dedicated 405 Motorcycle Safety funds in the National Priority Safety Programs that is authorized through the Highway Bill. The proposed change to this program would add another criteria for states to qualify for motorcycle safety funds. In order to qualify, states have to meet two of the six current criteria. In addition to the current criteria, the additional qualifying area would add a category for states that have a mandatory helmet law for anyone under the age of 18. While meeting the under 18 helmet law is not mandatory to receive these funds, we at the MRF oppose any such change. We cannot allow any amount of erosion of our rights on this issue. The MRF is adamantly opposed to any federal law that would require the use of a helmet, apparel or conspicuity standard.

I guess we’ll see what happens there.

Biker Quote for Today

Top 10 signs that a computer is owned by a Harley rider: 09. System sound effects now play a Harley kicking over when a program starts.

The bill to require hands-free use of cell phones while driving has momentum.

The time may finally have come for this piece of legislation. The Colorado Senate Transportation and Energy Committee on Tuesday unanimously approved Senate Bill 65 (SB 20-065) that would make it illegal for drivers to operate cellphones or other electronic equipment while driving unless they were using a hands-free device.

The bill now goes to the Senate Finance Committee and from there to the full Senate for consideration. If approved, as it was last year, it will move to the Colorado House, where it died last year. This year’s bill has been amended to address concerns that led to its failure in the House.

Commercial truckers already face this prohibition nationally, with much stiffer penalties, so one amendment specified that they will not be affected by this bill. Potential penalties for drivers were reduced from last year’s bill in order to mollify House opposition. One addition was to impose penalties of $300 and 4 points on any violation, first, second, or third or later, that involves texting. Texting while driving is already outlawed in Colorado, so this would be like saying that if you break both these laws at the same time we’re really going to hit you hard.

Motorcyclists and others who support this bill would do well to contact their state senators before it comes to a vote in that chamber to urge their support when it comes to the floor. You can find how to contact your senator here. Then, assuming the measure moves on to the House, it will be even more important to contact your representative to urge their support.

Biker Quote for Today

Die Living

The Senate hearing on this bill last year.

After passing the Colorado Senate but dying in the House last year, the ever-recurring “Hang Up And Drive” bill is back.

Senate Bill 20-065, “Limit Mobile Electronic Devices While Driving,” will be considered on Tuesday at 2 p.m. by the Senate Transportation and Energy committee. If we can get a bunch of folks to show up in support it can only help.

The other thing that would help would be to contact the members of the committee to express your support. Here is their contact info:

Faith Winter, Chair – Faith.winter.senate@state.co.us – 303-866-4863

Kerry Donovan, Vice Chair – Kerry.donovan.senate@state.co.us – 303-866-4871

Mike Foote – Mike.foote.senate@state.co.us – 303-866-5291

Dennis Hisey – Dennis.hisey.senate@state.co.us – 303-866-4877

Ray Scott – Ray.scott.senate@state.co.us – 303-866-3077

Here is a summary of the bill.

The bill limits the use of a mobile electronic device while driving to adult drivers who use the mobile electronic device through a hands-free accessory.

The bill establishes penalties of $50 and 2 points for a first violation, $100 and 2 points for a second violation, $200 and 4 points for a third or subsequent violation, and $300 and 4 points if the violation involves text messaging.

This evolving bill has been promoted for years by Sen. Lois Court, who introduced it this year, but who has since been forced to resign due to health issues. It has been picked up by Sen. Chris Hansen and Rep. Dylan Roberts.

This year’s bill has been modified to address concerns raised in the House last year that led to its demise. Maybe this will be the year it finally becomes law.

Biker Quote for Today

You know you’re a biker when you subconsciously wave at another motorcycle and you’re in your car.