The latest (2-7):
The Iowa Bicycle Coalition says the 5-foot passing distance could still become law.
Check this out and send your emails.
Another update 2-3:
The “5 Feet to Pass” effort in the Iowa Legislature is now down to “3 Feet to Pass.”
Let’s hope that’s enough margin for error. As we all know, people are not all that skillful in controlling their motorized vehicles – and sometimes the same applies to their bicycles.
That seems to have improved the bill’s chances of getting passed.
What do you think? Is 3 feet enough to require?
Passing along an update 1-26:
“You can pause your emails on the Bike Bill. It has been introduced and amended. Ready to move forward. I will send a message when you need to make more connections.”
Too late to pause mine.
Earlier today:
It is hard to imagine bicycles being banned from Iowa’s roads, but a message this morning from Mark Wyatt of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition to supporters of the Bike Safety and Responsibility Bill was alarming anyway.
Wyatt said:
These legislators are hearing more from people who want bikes off the road than people who support the bike safety bill. WE NEED YOUR HELP.
“These legislators” are members of the House Human Resources Committee:
Rep. Mark Smith (mark.smith@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Deb Berry (deborah.berry@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Linda Miller (linda.miller@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad (ako.abdul-samad@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Dwayne Alons (dwayne.alons@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Clel Baudler (clel.baudler@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Greg Forristal (greg.forristall@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Dave Heaton (dave.heaton@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Lisa Heddens (lisa.heddens@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Bruce Hunter (bruce.hunter@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Kevin Koester (kevin.koester@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Mary Mascher (mary.mascher@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Tyler Olson (tyler.olson@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Janet Petersen (janet.petersen@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Renee Schulte (renee.schulte@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Chuck Soderberg (chuck.soderberg@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Sharon Steckman (sharon.steckman@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Phyllis Thede (phyllis.thede@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Linda Upmeyer (linda.upmeyer@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Roger Wendt (roger.wendt@legis.state.ia.us)
Rep. Beth Wessel-Krieschell (beth.wessel-kroeschell@legis.state.ia.us)
They need to hear from us. Wyatt suggested this as a sample email.
Dear Representative NAME,
Please support the amended SF 117, the Bike Safety and Responsibility Bill. The bill is fair to both bicyclists and motorists.
The required passing distance could save lives. The dangerous behavior towards vulnerable highway users should not be tolerated in Iowa.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME
Now, go send some emails. Requiring drivers to pass carefully isn’t too much to ask.
puncture proof 
We’ve been asked to pause the emails until the bill moves.