Release - Bicyclists Will Ride MONDAY to Annapolis in Support of Safer Roads

The Baltimore Bicycle Club
 
- AND -
 
The University of Maryland
School of Law
Cycling Club

 
- For Immediate Release -

Bicyclists to Ride to Annapolis in Memory of Last Week's Fatal Accident Victim, and To Support Passage of Road Safety Measure
 
ANNAPOLIS, April 11, 2010 -- In memory and honor of a Baltimore County bicyclist who died last week after being struck by a motorist,  a group of bicyclists will ride on Monday, April 12, from Baltimore to Annapolis to advocate on behalf of a bill that would make cycling on state roads safer. It is the last day of the 2010 legislative session.

Upon arriving in Annapolis, the riders and other advocates will hold a media availability at noon at Lawyers Mall, between College Ave., State Circle, Government House and the Department of Legislative Services. Afterward, some of the advocates will continue on to the State House to speak on behalf of H.B. 461/S.B. 51.
 
H.B. 461/S.B. 51 would require motorists to pass bicyclists and other certain road users at a distance of 3 feet in some circumstances. The bill, introduced in the House by Del. Jon Cardin and in the Senate by Sen. Jamie Raskin, had been stalled this year in the House Environmental Matters Committee until its vote Friday to report the bill favorably with an amendment. The bill must still pass the Senate. Attempts to pass laws similar to this have failed in recent years.
 
Lawrence Bensky, 43, of Owings Mills, died April 6 while riding his bicycle on Butler Road in Baltimore County. The accident remains under investigation. Bensky was married and the father of two children. His wife, Tamara, is among those expected to arrive Monday in support of changes in the law.
 
Tentative list of riders/supporters who will be available to speak to reporters:

• Tamara Benksy, Lawrence Bensky's wife
• Harry Campbell, chief organizer of Monday's ride, The Baltimore Bicycle Club
• Alexander Obriecht - President - Race Pace Bicycles - 5 bicycle retail stores in the Baltimore area
• Marc Lefkowitz, Vice President, Race Pace Bicycles
• John Kelly, of Kelly Benefit Strategies and Kelly Benefit Strategies racing
• Greg Simmons, law student and president, University of Maryland School of Law Cycling Club