[BVC-CHAT] GOVERNOR VETOES SAFE PASSING BILL

[Hays Glover]

GOVERNOR VETOS SAFE PASSING BILL

Dear fellow Texas cyclists,


We are stunned.  After passing SB 488 through both houses of the legislature with overwhelming bipartisan margins and responding to every legislator's concern with information or compromise, Governor Perry killed the bill today.

In spite of the huge number of phone calls in the span of two very intense hours, Governor Perry vetoed the Safe Passing bill, SB 488. 

Thanks to all of you who responded to the BikeTexas Action Alert today and called the Governor's office.

We are extremely disappointed with the Governor's action.  In our view, this reflects a cavalier attitude on the part of the Governor toward the deaths of the 1000 vulnerable road users that are killed annually in Texas.

It is well known that Rick Perry rides a bike on the streets and on the trails.  Unfortunately, ordinary Texans do not have a security detail to shield them from motorists who drive dangerously.  

BikeTexas strongly disagrees with the reasoning stated in the veto message from the Governor below.  Law enforcement, prosecutors, AAA, AARP, Texas Motorcycle Rights Association and Texas Towing and Storage Association joined BikeTexas in supporting SB 488 because they also believed this bill could have saved lives.

We will keep you informed regarding the next steps.  Please stay tuned.

Respectfully,

Robin Stallings
Executive Director
BikeTexas