Is it legal to ride a seatless bicycle on the streets of this
great state? Not now. But it will be starting Jan. 1.
By Tony Bizjak, McClatchy News Service
Here’s your road rules question of the day:
Is it legal to ride a seatless bicycle on the streets of this great state?
Not now. But it will be starting Jan. 1.
That is among several transportation laws signed in a flurry last week by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
A San Diego legislator wrote it to clear the way for companies now building seatless elliptical bikes, which you ride standing up, as if running.
Possibly the most significant new transportation law affects just four test counties, including Sacramento.
Drivers convicted for a first-time drunken driving offense will be required to have a breathalyzer installed in their car for five months. If the machine detects alcohol when they blow, the car won’t start.
The breathalyzer’s required time period increases for multiple offenders.
That law doesn’t go into effect until July 1, giving officials time to prep, and to get out a warning.
The governor signed several other transportation laws of special interest to Sacramentans:
– Sen. Dave Cox, R-Fair Oaks, authored a law making it clear that airport wildlife managers can shoot and kill any bird they think may cause problems for jets.
The bill stems from a problem in recent years at Sacramento airport, site of many bird-vs.-jet incidents.
Feds have said it’s OK to shoot. The state said no, not certain birds, and threatened arrests. The Cox bill clears it up. (If you’re a duck, duck!)
– Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada, D-Davis, pushed through a bill backed by Rosemary Shahan of Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety. It requires a reluctant DMV to fully participate in a national car-theft, information- sharing database.
– Assemblyman Dave Jones, D-Sacramento, got stiffer penalties placed on “rogue” charter bus companies, like the one involved in a crash last year that killed 11 en route to Colusa Casino Resort.
– The state’s temporary freeway “move over law” will now become permanent. When approaching an ambulance or tow truck with its lights flashing, you must move a lane away or slow as much as is prudent.
Some would-be laws didn’t get past the governor.
A Bakersfield legislator wanted to require the state to put up roadside memorial signs for families that request it in the name of a loved one.
Proponents said it can help grieving families, reduce the number of makeshift roadside memorials, and remind drivers of the dangers of the road.
The governor said no; the signs could become makeshift memorials themselves.
“I am sympathetic to the desires of those who have lost loved ones – however, I am concerned – multiple signs on highways could lead to increased driver inattention and distraction,” he wrote in his veto.
