Help Pass the Vulnerable Road User Bill

Good news! Our partner, the Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition, has their Vulnerable Road User legislation (H5093, sponsored by Rep. Joseph McNamara) scheduled for a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, February 2nd. If you are inclined to provide testimony, we welcome your input. Here’s how to participate:
  • Contact members of the House Judiciary Committee (especially if they are your representative!) and share your thoughts on the bill.
  • Send written testimony to the Judiciary clerk Roberta Di Mezza at RDiMezza@rilegislature.gov by 11am on Feb 2 or notify her at that address that you want to give spoken testimony at the 5pm hearing. Include the bill # (H5093), for/against, your name, phone number, and any affiliations. Sample testimony:

Subject: I speak in favor of House Bill H5093, the Vulnerable Road User legislation.

I am a vulnerable road user. I use the public roadway to commute, do errands, go to events and meetings just the same as people protected in cars. I have been hit, nearly hit and intimidated by people driving cars and other vehicles, [insert your personal story here] but most of these incidents have gone unreported partly because the law doesn’t acknowledge me. I support the House bill 5093 because it recognizes vulnerable road users, like me, as legitimate road users under the law. In addition, it sends a powerful signal that my life and my wellness are important and worth protecting – the same as if I were in a car. 

Again, I support bill H5093, the VRU Bill.

Thank you to the committee.

[Your name and town]

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Information on the bill: