Running Red Lights...Legally!

On July 1, Tennessee motorcyclists can legally run red lights -- if they stop first and "exercise due care". A new bill was passed and signed into law that allows frustrated motorcyclists who had to either sit or wait for some larger vehicle to trip the sensors or run the risk of getting a citation in order to get through those nagging red lights. State legislators recognized that even the biggest of bikes are getting lighter through the use of aluminum, plastics, fiberglass and other composites. As a result the weight is no longer there for bikes to trip sensors that activate changes with the traffic lights. Minnesota has joined and these two states have taken the initiative to respond to their resident motorcycle enthusiasts and pass legislation and enact laws that will remove that frustration so long as they ride responsibly.

Barry and I have discussed this initiative and think it would be a good piece of legislation for Arizona riders. So for now he and I will be gathering some support information from those states that have passed bills and/or enacted laws and other resources. In the meantime we could use your help. If you know of an intersection that regularly frustrates bikers send us that location via email (sjd3@cox.net) so that we can begin to document the locations.

Later this year we will have some dialogue with our readers as to what might constitute good language for a bill/law; one that give us options at a red light but also promotes safety and protects other motorists and motorcyclists.

Over the next few months we will also contact "biker friendly" legislators in the Arizona House and Senate who we can turn to for support and sponsorship of a bill.

As always, please feel free to send us legislative comments, inquiries, concerns, or issues that you feel might infringe upon the rights and freedom of motorcycle enthusiasts throughout Arizona and we will spread the word and act upon them on your behalf.

Stan
sjd3@cox.net