Post by Mark Wyatt on Feb 27, 2005 20:38:01 GMT -5
Immediate Iowa Legislative Action Needed
Senator Bolkcom of Iowa City introduced Senate File 147 February 14th to establish a “Share the Road” special license plate. The funds would go towards improving signage to ask motorists and cyclist to be aware of each others and SHARE THE ROAD. The bill was provided to the Senate Transportation Committee and then given to a sub-committee for Senators Putney, Dearden, Fraise, and Ward to review.
However, the subcommittee has not approved it. If your senator is on the Senate Transportation Committee you may be the most important constituent at this time. This may not come as a surprise — many bills do not get out of committee, but this subcommittee includes the Senator who introduced legislation last year that would have prohibited cyclist on Iowa’s roadways when a trail is nearby.
Right now, the subcommittee needs to approve this.
Then the Transportation Committee needs to get it out of committee before March 11th (funnel date) or this bill will die.
What can you do?
Please look at the bill. Click on this link and find your STATE SENATOR.
If your senator is on the Senate Transportation Committee you may be the most important constituent at this time.
Send your senator a message to support the bill. A short e-mail explaining who you are, why you support the bill, and ask them kindly to support the bill.
Do not hesitate!
Senate File 147 Short EXPLANATION
This bill establishes a special "share=the=road" motor vehicle registration plate, which is to be designed by the state department of transportation and feature an emblem with an image of a bicycle. The special share=the=road fee for initial issuance of the plate is $45 for letter number designated plates. A fee of $25 is required for a personalized plate in addition to the special fee. The special share=the=road annual renewal fee is $25 in addition to the regular annual registration fee. A $5 fee applies for renewal of personalized plates in addition to the special fee and the regular annual renewal fee. The bill creates a bicycle traffic safety fund in the state treasury to be administered by the state department of transportation. Moneys in the fund are appropriated to the department to fund bicycle safety initiatives for both bicyclists and motorists and to provide signage. The special fees from issuance and renewal of share=the=road plates are credited to the fund.
If the Senate Transportation Committee approves, we may need your support again as it goes to the Senate Floor and then when it goes to the House Floor.
Example letter or E-mail
Reference: SF 147 Share the Road license plate
Dear Senator _____:
I am writing as your constituent to ask you to support SF 147 which establishes a special “Share the Road” license plate. The funds raised can then be used to provide adequate signage on roads where cyclists are commonly found.
As an avid cyclist, and a participant in many bike rides across this and many other states; I believe safe roads for cyclists will promote recreation, alternative transportation, and tourism. Ultimately, reducing automobile emissions while increasing physical activity and decreasing obesity. A healthy and safe Iowa will be attractive to the residents to spend their vacation in their own state, and encourage others to visit.
This is one of the greatest states to ride a bike. This Share the Road plate is the first step to the comprehensive Share the Road safety initiative. Please help by voting for this bill.
Sincerely,
<First and last name>
<Address>
<Phone>
<E-mail>
END OF MESSAGE
Senator Bolkcom of Iowa City introduced Senate File 147 February 14th to establish a “Share the Road” special license plate. The funds would go towards improving signage to ask motorists and cyclist to be aware of each others and SHARE THE ROAD. The bill was provided to the Senate Transportation Committee and then given to a sub-committee for Senators Putney, Dearden, Fraise, and Ward to review.
However, the subcommittee has not approved it. If your senator is on the Senate Transportation Committee you may be the most important constituent at this time. This may not come as a surprise — many bills do not get out of committee, but this subcommittee includes the Senator who introduced legislation last year that would have prohibited cyclist on Iowa’s roadways when a trail is nearby.
Right now, the subcommittee needs to approve this.
Then the Transportation Committee needs to get it out of committee before March 11th (funnel date) or this bill will die.
What can you do?
Please look at the bill. Click on this link and find your STATE SENATOR.
If your senator is on the Senate Transportation Committee you may be the most important constituent at this time.
Send your senator a message to support the bill. A short e-mail explaining who you are, why you support the bill, and ask them kindly to support the bill.
Do not hesitate!
Senate File 147 Short EXPLANATION
This bill establishes a special "share=the=road" motor vehicle registration plate, which is to be designed by the state department of transportation and feature an emblem with an image of a bicycle. The special share=the=road fee for initial issuance of the plate is $45 for letter number designated plates. A fee of $25 is required for a personalized plate in addition to the special fee. The special share=the=road annual renewal fee is $25 in addition to the regular annual registration fee. A $5 fee applies for renewal of personalized plates in addition to the special fee and the regular annual renewal fee. The bill creates a bicycle traffic safety fund in the state treasury to be administered by the state department of transportation. Moneys in the fund are appropriated to the department to fund bicycle safety initiatives for both bicyclists and motorists and to provide signage. The special fees from issuance and renewal of share=the=road plates are credited to the fund.
If the Senate Transportation Committee approves, we may need your support again as it goes to the Senate Floor and then when it goes to the House Floor.
Example letter or E-mail
Reference: SF 147 Share the Road license plate
Dear Senator _____:
I am writing as your constituent to ask you to support SF 147 which establishes a special “Share the Road” license plate. The funds raised can then be used to provide adequate signage on roads where cyclists are commonly found.
As an avid cyclist, and a participant in many bike rides across this and many other states; I believe safe roads for cyclists will promote recreation, alternative transportation, and tourism. Ultimately, reducing automobile emissions while increasing physical activity and decreasing obesity. A healthy and safe Iowa will be attractive to the residents to spend their vacation in their own state, and encourage others to visit.
This is one of the greatest states to ride a bike. This Share the Road plate is the first step to the comprehensive Share the Road safety initiative. Please help by voting for this bill.
Sincerely,
<First and last name>
<Address>
<Phone>
<E-mail>
END OF MESSAGE
