S.B. 119: ENROLLED ANALYSIS MOTORCYCLE FOOT RESTS
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Senate Bill 119 (as enrolled) PUBLIC ACT 68 of 1995
Sponsor: Senator Michael J. Bouchard
Senate Committee: Transportation and Tourism House Committee: Transportation
Date Completed: 7-6-95
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 has been one of only four states without a requirement that motorcycle passengers be able to place their feet on foot rests. It was suggested that the State adopt this requirement.
The bill amended the Michigan Vehicle Code to require that a motorcycle be equipped with adequate seats, and foot rests or pegs for each designated seating position. The foot rests or pegs must be securely attached. Further, the bill provides that a passenger may not ride on a motorcycle unless his or her feet can rest on the assigned foot rests or pegs; however, this requirement does not apply to a person who is unable to reach the foot rests or pegs due to a permanent physical disability. A person who violates the bill s provisions will be guilty of a civil infraction.
The bill will take effect January 1, 1996. MCL 257.658a
(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.)
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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 have foot rests or pegs for their feet, will 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 will be better able to maintain a secure position on the motorcycle, which will both decrease the likelihood of passengers falling off and increase the overall stability of the motorcycle s operation. Further, the bill will help to prevent transport of passengers who are too small to reach the pegs.
Legislative Analyst: G. Towne
The bill will have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: B. Baker
A9596\S119EA
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.