To the editor:

On behalf of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, local bicyclists would like to thank state Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink and state Rep. Ann Meyer for their work advocating for safety on Iowa’s roads.

Kraayenbrink has worked for years on the Senate Transportation subcommittee for the bill to add distracted driving to the driver’s education curriculum (HF380).

The bill was signed by the governor this session. Thank you, Senator!

We also want to thank Meyer for leading the charge on the hands-free driving legislation in the House, and Kraayenbrink for his work on the hands-free driving bill in the Senate. This bill will be back next year for further discussion, and we appreciate their work to date.

Cellphone use puts other drivers, pedestrians as well as bicyclists at risk. This hands-free driving bill when passed, will reduce dangerous incidents. As an avid bicyclist, I have noticed an increase in respectful driver/bicyclist interactions and believe this is a direct result of ‘share the road’ conversations our legislators have led.

We look forward to continuing to work with Meyer and Kraayenbrink on the hands-free driving bill next session and thank them for their support of this legislation and the Iowa Bicycle Coalition’s efforts at the Capitol.

Laura Ludgate

Iowa Bicycle Coalition