A new bill in South Dakota would mandate the personal choice of bicyclists, effectively
discouraging biking as an alternative mode of transportation.
HB 1214 would require bicyclists to wear reflective or fluorescent gear while on the roads. This legislation makes failure to wear bright clothes a Class 2 misdemeanor. This type of onerous legislation focuses the responsibility for safe road habits solely on the shoulders of bicyclists.
Biking in South Dakota is growing for all ages, in towns big and small. HB 1214 will hinder bicycling's accessibility for all cyclists, both beginners and seasoned riders. Requiring a bicyclist to wear a certain item of clothing
forces added costs and therefore an added dilemma for a rider whose only mode of transport is by bike. It also
discourages new riders from choosing this environmentally-friendly option.
South Dakota already requires front and rear reflectors, and in many municipalities and counties, the use of bicycle lights is required at night. These requirements are enough to be seen.
A more viable alternative to achieving road safety would be a public awareness campaign aimed at cyclists, educating them about good riding behavior, clothing, and techniques. South Dakota should focus more on promoting the health and entertainment offered by bicycling. HB 1214 promotes the opposite.
This bill curtails a cyclist's personal choice while forcing the responsibility to be seen on his or her shoulders. Please sign my petition and urge state legislators to vote “no” on mandating the personal choices of bicyclists.