On Tuesday 7 January 2025 three American legislators in the State of Montana introduced a bill to change existing laws and force cyclists on public roads to ride on the wrong side of the road, opposite the flow of traffic, and directly towards oncoming vehicles, according text of Montana House Bill 124.

The bill introduced by Rebublican legislators Eric Albus, Eric Tilleman and Speaker of the House Brandon Ler reads in part: “AN ACT REVISING BICYCLE LAWS; PROVIDING THAT BICYCLES MUST BE RIDDEN OPPOSITE THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC UNLESS RIDDEN WITH A FLAG VEHICLE ESCORT”

Presumably the cowboy trio, who it seems all grew up riding horses rather than bicycles, believes forcing cyclists to ride against traffic will be safer for cyclists and motorists.

WTF?

If passed by the Montana House and Senate, the bill would be the first of its kind in the United States, setting aside over 140 years of state and federal government precedents, as well as common sense, that requires cyclists follow the same rules as all vehicles and never travel against traffic.

In all 50 states vehicles on public roads must drive on the right-hand side of the roadway, including bicycles. This is because it is the safest way to travel. When everyone goes in the same direction on the road, it is easier to see each other and avoid accidents, especially deadly head-on collisions.

Photo Credit: legmt.gov

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