Shocking testimony by House Transportation Commisson chair
Recent remarks by the Chairman of the House Transportation Committee regarding cyclists should concern anyone who cares about public safety.
During discussion of SB 559 — a bill that would allow towns to reduce speed limits to make roads safer — the Chairman stated, “It’s against the law to run bicycles off the road, even though sometimes it’s very tempting.” That comment is not harmless. It reflects an attitude that trivializes the safety of vulnerable road users and risks normalizing dangerous behavior.
Cyclists are not an abstraction. They are residents, workers and visitors — people who contribute to the vitality of our communities. Many have experienced close passes, harassment and worse. For them, this issue is not theoretical, and it is certainly not a joke.
If the Chairman wishes to lead on transportation policy, he should be willing to understand the realities faced by those outside a car. I invite him to join a local ride — we would gladly provide an e-assist bicycle — so he can experience firsthand what it means to share the road.
But leadership requires more than perspective — it requires judgment. Statements like this undermine public trust and call into question whether he can responsibly oversee policies affecting the safety of all road users.
If he is unwilling to take that responsibility seriously, he should step down from his position.