S.B. 119 (S-1): FIRST ANALYSIS MOTORCYCLE FOOT RESTS
Senate Bill 119 (Substitute S-1 as reported) Sponsor: Senator Michael J. Bouchard Committee: Transportation and Tourism
Date Completed: 2-28-95
In accidents involving a motorcycle there is a high risk of injury or death for the driver of or a passenger on the motorcycle. Many people feel that anything that can be done to improve the safety of the drivers or passengers on motorcylces, without imposing undue restrictions, should be attempted. It has been pointed out that passengers on motorcycles can be at great risk if they do not have foot rests or pegs upon which they can balance themselves while riding. Reportedly, Michigan is one of only four states that do not have a requirement that motorcycle passengers be able to place their feet on foot rests. It has been suggested that the State adopt this requirement.
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require that a motorcycle be equipped with adequate seats and foot rests or pegs, and that the foot rests or pegs be mounted in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications. Further, the bill provides that a passenger could not ride on a motorcycle unless his or her feet could rest on the assigned foot rests or pegs.
Proposed MCL 257.658a
would increase the safety of motorcycle riders in two ways: Rather than placing their legs in uneven positions, or on hot pipes or near moving parts, passengers using uniformly placed pegs would be better able to maintain a secure position on the motorcycle, which would both decrease the likelihood of passengers falling off and increase the overall stability of the motorcycle’s operation. Further, the bill would help to prevent transport of passengers who were too small to reach the pegs.
Legislative Analyst: G. Towne
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: B. Baker
(Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)
Motorcyclists and their passengers are particularly vulnerable in the event of an accident, and every effort that is not overly restrictive should be made to improve conditions for their safety. The bill, by requiring passengers to use foot rests or pegs,
A9596\S119A
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.