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BikeTexas supporter Justin McMurtry stayed up all night to bring us this report:  “At 3:20am, the House at last takes up consideration of Rep. Hughes’s amendment to prohibit state funds from being spent to convert any existing general-use traffic lane into a bike, bus, or other special-purpose lane. Hughes offers to modify his amendment to make it ‘less objectionable’, but before he can explain, another member [Rep. Eddie Rodriguez] raises a point of order against it—presumably based on the House rule that disallows budgetary acts that would change existing general law. At 3:23am, the point of order and the amendment are both temporarily withdrawn.” Your calls and emails showed that Texans overwhelmingly support giving our transportation professionals all the tools they need to provide safe roads for people on bikes. THANK YOU! The amendment could still come back into play later in the session. As always, BikeTexas will remain vigilant at the Capitol and keep you up to date on issues affecting people who ride bikes in Texas. |
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Cyclists in Suits, our state bicycle day at the Capitol, took place this past Monday, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. On Monday, attendees from all over Texas walked the halls, passed out bicycle pins, and visited every office to explain the several bills positive to cycling working their way through right now. This helped multiply the impact of the calls and emails regarding the Hughes amendment. Senator Rodney Ellis, who offered a resolution recognizing BikeTexas during Cyclists in Suits, was pleased with the turnout. “From the Senate Floor, we were very impressed by the large turnout of cyclists,” he said, “You all filled a big section of the gallery.” See the video of Senator Ellis reading the resolution here, beginning at 24:05. “Texas cyclists appreciate the leadership of Senator Ellis on bicycling issues,” said BikeTexas Executive Director Robin Stallings. “We are grateful for the resolution offered on the Senate floor.” You can see the Cyclists in Suits agenda for more info. |
