Legislation Introduced to Allow Bike Riding on Sidewalks

A state representative has introduced legislation that would allow local jurisdictions to decide who can ride bicycles on sidewalks.

State Rep. Doug McKillip (R-Athens) has introduced House Bill 71 which would eliminate the current age restrictions which limit sidewalk bicycle riding to those under the age of 12.

In a statement issued by the Georgia House Communications Office, McKillip said a request from an older constituent prompted him to introduce the legislation.

“A 75-year-old constituent from Athens asked me to introduce this legislation so that he could lobby his local county commission to allow older bicycle riders on sidewalks,” said Rep. McKillip.  “House Bill 71 would eliminate the age restriction from current law making this is an important issue for seniors who would like the option of riding on the sidewalk, especially where traffic is congested, fast-moving, or there are no bike lanes.”

Traffic congestion, fast moving traffic and lack of bike lanes can have serious or even fatal consequences for bicyclists.

Brian Leech, 48, of Dacula, was killed in November while riding his bicycle on Old Fountain Road. A Dacula woman was charged with vehicular homicide in connection with the incident after investigators determined the woman had been following Leech too closely.  The woman struck Leech with her vehicle causing him to be thrown from his bike and struck by another car. Leech died at the scene.

Old Fountain Road does not have bike lanes, but does have sidewalks along portions of the road.

McKillip also introduced House Bill 101 which would update many existing state laws dealing with bicycles.

McKillip’s district includes portions of Clarke County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2006, and is currently Secretary of the Reapportionment Committee.  He also serves on the Appropriations, Industrial Relations, Intragovernmental Coordination, Judiciary, and Natural Resources & Environment committees.