Government

Bicyclists may soon use right hand to signal right turn

By |

By NICK STANEK
Capital News Service
Michigan bicyclists can now use their right arm to signal a right turn, joining most of the rest of the country. Lawmakers recently approved the change that is now before Gov. Rick Snyder. Until now, bicyclists were required to signal a right turn by sticking their left arm out in the shape of an L.
“When we started this bill last spring, 32 states had already passed similar laws in their vehicle code,” said John Lindenmayer, the policy director at the League of Michigan Bicyclists. The bill was sponsored by state Rep. Anthony Forlini, R-Harrison Township, a lifelong bicyclist.  He said the change was overdue. “I mean think about it, it’s no different than a car,” Forlini said.

Transportation & Roads

Bicycling deaths drop, safety urged

By |

By CORTNEY ERNDT
Capital News Service
LANSING – The number of Michigan’s bicyclist deaths dropped 17 percent between 2011 and last year. Meanwhile, cycling groups continue to advocate more safety measures. Fatalities are down from 24 in 2011 to 20 in 2012, according to the Office of Highway Safety Planning. One fatal bicycling crash occurred in Holland and four in Grand Rapids between 2004 and 2011, Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) bicycle and pedestrian coordinator, Josh DeBruyn said. Overall, 788 crashes involving bicyclists were reported between 2004 and 2011 in Ottawa and Allegan counties, and 1,487 crashes in Kent County.