BICYCLE HAND SIGNALS                                                                              H.B. 4866:

                                                                                               COMMITTEE SUMMARY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

House Bill 4866 (as passed by the House)

Sponsor:  Representative Anthony G. Forlini

House Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

Senate Committee:  Transportation

 

Date Completed:  11-12-13

 

CONTENT

 

The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to give a bicyclist the option to signal a right turn by extending his or her right hand and arm horizontally, rather than extending his or her left hand and arm upward as is required currently.

 

Under the Code, before stopping or turning from a direct line, the operator of a vehicle or bicycle must first determine that the stopping or turning can be made safely and give a signal, either by means of the hand and arm or by a mechanical or electrical signal device that conveys an intelligible signal or warning to other highway traffic.  When a signal is given by means of the hand and arm, a person must indicate his or her intention to stop or turn by extending his or her left hand and arm as follows:

 

 --    To make a left turn, horizontally.

 --    To make a right turn, upward.

 --    To stop or decrease speed, downward.

 

Under the bill, a person operating a bicycle also could signal a right turn by extending his or her right hand and arm horizontally.

 

MCL 257.648                                                                Legislative Analyst:  Julie Cassidy

 

FISCAL IMPACT

 

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

 

                                                                                     Fiscal Analyst:  Dan O'Connor

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.