May. 24, 2016
HARRISBURG – Today, the House voted to send Rep. David Maloney’s (R-Berks) “Share the Road” legislation to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk for his signature. The legislation,
House Bill 150, would generate revenue to help pay for an unfunded federal mandate that directed PennDOT to establish the position of bicycle and pedestrian coordinator.
If signed into law, the measure would create a Share-The-Road license plate that would be available for motorists to purchase for their cars, trucks and motor homes. The money from purchase of the plate would help fund the bicycle and pedestrian coordinator’s efforts and salary.
“Many of us know there have been several tragedies on our roadways involving pedestrians and cyclists, and all of us, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and motorists, need to be aware of our surroundings at all times,” Maloney said.
In June of 2014, Sally Miksiewicz, the chief executive officer and vice chairman of East Penn Manufacturing, Berks County's largest private business, was killed by a car as she was jogging. And in 2015, shortly before House Bill 150 was sent to the Senate for consideration, a 22-year-old Temple University student riding her bicycle was critically injured when she was struck by a hit-and-run driver.
“These are just two examples of accidents that were avoidable and continue to occur far too often,” Maloney said. “A moment of inattention can destroy the life of someone else and their loved ones.”
“There is no better time to focus on being aware of what and who else is on the road than during National Bike Month, and I am pleased the Senate took action on my legislation at this particular time,” Maloney said. “This is not just about bicycles, but also being aware of joggers, horse and buggies, and motorcyclists. Too many people are injured or killed on our roads due to lack of awareness. Aside from raising revenue, I am hopeful these license plates will remind folks to be aware of the road in front and behind them.”
Representative David Maloney
130th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Charles Lardner
717.260.6443
clardner@pahousegop.com
RepMaloney.com