South Dakota Bicycle Coalition

Statement from the SDBC President:
Although SB 70 is apparently dead for this session, I want to thank everyone who contacted legislators, went to cracker barrels, talked to the media, commented on blogs, or did anything else to educate cyclists and motorists about the proposed 3 foot safe passage law.
Thank you also to Sen. [...]

SB70 saw its final day as a bill in the South Dakota legislature today, on Thursday, Feb. 18.
Senator Jerstad introduced a new amendment relating to use of reflective clothing and bicycle. The purpose of the new amendment would address a concern with an inappropriate penalty. This move failed by voice vote. The original amendment [...]

SDBC remains supportive of the original SB70, requesting a 3ft clearance when passing a cyclists. The amendment – to require reflective material on the person’s bicycle and clothing – only confuses the issue of bicyclists as vehicles and the message to safely share the road.
Please, take this opportunity to cultivate your relationship with your senators [...]

SB70 will likely be considered by the senate this week. Please contact your senator and remind them that you’d like to see this bill pass.
RE: SB 70, Three Feet Safe Passing Legislation
Dear Members of the Senate Transportation Committee,
Thank you for considering the proposed legislation that would define the minimum safe distance for a motor [...]

Last week SB 70 took quite a ride through the Senate Transportation Committee, but has landed on the Senate floor.
After more than and hour of lively discussion Wednesday morning, the committee voted against passing the bill. The audio (.mp3) includes testimony from two SDBC board members and several South Dakota cyclists; plus, the senators’ [...]

The next Senate Transportation Committee meeting is Wednesday. The first item on the agenda is SB70 – the 3ft Please Bill. Please call or write to the members of the committee and encourage them to pass the bill. Let’s have the voices of South Dakota cyclists fresh on the minds of the committee.
Some good bits [...]

The South Dakota Bicycle Coalition has published a position paper regarding SB70 the 3ft Passing Bill. All are welcome to read and use the paper to support SB70 or as a tool for futher understanding of the legal use of a bicycle on public roadways.
The document is available here in PDF form.

SB70 will be considered by the Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday, February 10 @ 7:45am. We invite anybody intending to testify to the committee please let the coaltion know so that efforts can be better coordinated. E-mail: sdbicyclecoalition@gmail.com
–
Meet your legislators. Find a legislative crackerbarrel near you and introduce them to SB70, the 3 foot bill.
The [...]

This story is one of many told to the SDBC. The stories illustrate why South Dakota needs increased awareness of how to properly share the road.
I was grinding up highway 1806 near the west end of Oahe Dam one morning, riding with a friend who was ahead quite a ways. I was right of the [...]