Require bicycles to go opposite the flow of traffic
Summary
HB 124 would revise Montana bicycle traffic rules by requiring bicyclists to ride opposite the flow of traffic on roadways unless they are riding with a flag vehicle escort. The bill also states that when a flag vehicle escort is present, the bicyclist must ride with the flow of traffic. In effect, it creates a new directional rule for bicycle operation and ties that rule to the presence or absence of an escort vehicle.
The bill repeals two existing Montana statutes governing bicycles and mopeds: the section that makes traffic laws applicable to persons operating bicycles or mopeds, and the section addressing riding on roadways. It then places the new rule into Title 61, chapter 8, part 6, preserving it as part of the state’s traffic code. The bill was ultimately withdrawn in the House, so it did not advance into enacted law.
Impact
If enacted, HB 124 would have changed state bicycle law by replacing existing roadway and bicycle-related provisions with a new requirement that bicycles be ridden opposite traffic unless accompanied by a flag vehicle escort. This would have affected bicyclists on roadways, law enforcement enforcement of bicycle traffic rules, and any related safety or roadway-use standards under Title 61, chapter 8, part 6 of the Montana Code Annotated. Because the bill was withdrawn, it did not alter current law.
Sentiment
The available record shows little formal debate or recorded voting activity, and there are no committee transcripts to indicate detailed discussion. The bill’s withdrawal suggests it did not maintain sufficient support to proceed, but the provided materials do not show a clear pro- or anti-bill coalition. Overall sentiment is best characterized as limited and inconclusive, with the measure not advancing beyond introduction.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be the bill’s proposed reversal of the normal traffic pattern for bicycles, which is unusual and could raise safety, enforcement, and roadway-compatibility concerns. The requirement to ride opposite traffic unless escorted by a flag vehicle may have been viewed as impractical or inconsistent with existing bicycle safety norms. Because there are no committee transcripts or votes, the specific objections or supporters are not identified in the record provided.