HB 2602, a bill proposed by Rep. Mike Schaufler (D-Happy Valley) that would create a new law prohibiting the use of headphones while bicycling, has been pulled from the schedule of the House Judiciary Committee. As we reported last week, the bill was slated for a public hearing tomorrow (2/10).
Our friends at Eugene Bicyclist noticed the bill had been pulled from the committee agenda and inquired to Rep. Schaufler’s office about it. They got this reply from one of Schaufler’s staffers: “I do not believe there is any momentum for this bill to move forward.”
Roger Adams in Rep. Mike Schaufler’s office confirmed for us this morning that the bill was pulled from the agenda, adding, “I do not know that it’ll be rescheduled.” Adams did not cite a specific reason the bill was pulled.
This is likely the last we’ll hear about this bill. For past coverage and feedback from the community about this law proposal, see our HB 2602 story tag.
Stay tuned for more coverage of the 2011 legislative session.
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Huh? What was that? Sorry — I was rocking out for a moment there.
Wouldn’t mind this if they passed [and actually ENFORCED] the same rule for cars – see all too often on both modes of transport.
We could instead enhance and enforce the *existing* distracted driving law to be technology-independent. Oh, and base the penalties on gross vehicle weight.
This makes me happy, that bill was one step closer to creating a nanny state.
Excellent news. Thank you for the update, Jonathan.
glad they saw how absurd it was before it wasted any more time and money…
Thank goodness! I hate losing personal freedoms.
Great news! Thanks for your continued attention to this, Jonathan. Now, do I want Quasi or Mean Jeans for the ride home?
I had a conversation with another rider about this bill the other day while wearing headphones on my bike. Might have been a little rude, but I heard his every word. Hooray for volume control and the ability to look after oneself.
It would not have stopped me anyway.
Ridiculous for those here to judge on others who are capable of riding and listening at the same time. If you cannot fine. However I have yet to see a study that it increases your risk of injury or accident.
~n