House panel OKs bill to protect bicyclists

• By WILL SENTELL
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: May 12, 2009 - Page: 6A

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Spurred by testimony from a grieving mother, a state House panel on Monday approved legislation aimed at making it safer for bicycle riders using Louisiana roads.

The measure, House Bill 725, would require motorists to allow at least three feet of space when passing bicycles.

It would also make it illegal for motorists to harass, taunt or throw objects at cyclists. Violators would face fines of up to $200 and 30 days in jail.

The legislation is called the Colin Goodier Protection Act.

Goodier, 28, a third-year medical student, was killed June 9 when he was struck by a pickup. He was riding his bicycle on River Road near St. Gabriel and training for his first triatholon.

“Losing a child brings a sorrow and pain so visceral that I did not think I could exist,” said Goodier’s mother Nicette Goodier of New Orleans, who testified for the bill.

“This bill is to get people to view things differently before the next tragedy occurs,” she added.

Colin Goodier, who was from New Orleans, was serving as a resident surgeon at Our Lady of Lake Regional Medical Center.

State Rep. Michael Jackson, No Party-Baton Rouge and sponsor of the bill, said about 2 percent of traffic fatalities annually involved bicycles.

Jackson said state and local laws do not spell out safe passing distances for motorists that go by bicycle riders.

“This bill will save lives,” he said.

HB725 won approval without objection in the House Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee. It next faces action on the House floor.

Aaron Nesser, of Baton Rouge, whose brother Timothy Cappo was killed in another River Road accident in 2002, also urged lawmakers to approve the bill.