Bill Would Allow Motorcycles to Go Through Red Lights, On Condition

By: Associated Press & Owen Jensen Email

Updated: Wed 5:15 AM, Feb 13, 2013

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Bill would let motorcyclists and bikers run red lights if no other vehicles are around
Would require that motorcyclists wait two minutes before continuing through an intersection
Reasoning behind the bill is that vehicles weighing less than 1,000 lbs. don't trigger traffic sensors
Click HERE to read more on LB85

Nebraska lawmakers are considering a bill that would let motorcyclists and bikers run red lights if no other vehicles are around and the stoplight doesn't turn green after two minutes.

Columbus Sen. Paul Schumacher told the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee on Tuesday that the bill is needed because traffic sensors don't always pick up motorcyclists, leaving them waiting at the stop light for too long.

The Nebraska Sheriffs' Association and the city of Lincoln oppose the bill. The Nebraska Sheriffs' Association says the bill would be difficult to enforce.

Lincoln assistant city engineer Randy Hoskins says allowing cyclists to enter the intersection when the traffic light is red is a safety risk. He says he would prefer city workers fix problematic sensors.