Latest news with #HouseBill2752
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Vroom vroom: WV Senate signs off on House bill to allow motorcyclists to stand while driving
Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, speaks on the floor of the West Virginia Senate on March 24, 2025. (Will Price | West Virginia Legislative Photography) A bill that would permit motorcyclists to stand up while driving their vehicle is nearly headed to the governor's desk. 'Standing up on the foot pegs just gives you so much more control when a bump is coming up. Your legs act like shock absorbers,' said Sen. Mark Maynard, R-Wayne, who voted in support of the measure. 'This is just heinous that if somebody does this, they would be ticketed.' The Senate signed off on the measure, House Bill 2752, Monday evening with a vote of 27-6. The bill passed out of the House of Delegates March 19, spurring a viral video that showed Del. Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, yelling, 'Vroom! Vroom! West Virginia,' before criticizing the Republican-backed bill, saying it was unnecessary and did nothing to help residents of the state. Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel also questioned why lawmakers were spending time on the legislation. He called it the 'Organ Donor Act of 2025.' 'I've put up with a lot of shenanigans this session,' said Woelfel, D-Cabell. 'But why are we taking up the Senate's time with a bill to allow people legally to stand up on their motorcycles while the motorcycle is moving forward?' 'Of all the issues we have in our state, we're going to make legislation to let people be Evel Knievel? I'd like to have a no vote to send a message down the hallway,' he continued. Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, said she had been told that the bill, which originated in the House, was needed. 'Right now if you stand up – you still have your feet on the foot pegs — it is a crime. They needed this legislation to allow them to stand up.' Motorcyclists are already instructed to stand up in certain situations as part of their required instruction to obtain a motorcycle license, according to bill sponsor Del. Kathie Hess Crouse, R-Putnam. The bill also includes mopeds and motor-driven cycles. The House will have to concur with the Senate's vote before the legislation heads to Gov. Patrick Morrisey's desk for consideration. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
House passes ‘freedom from leg cramps' bill to allow WV motorcyclists to stand while driving
Del. Kathie Hess Crouse, R-Putnam, speaks on the House floor March 19, 2025, in support of a bill that would permit motorcyclists to stand while operating their vehicle. (West Virginia Legislative Photography) Motorcyclists would be able to stand up while operating their vehicle, according to a bill that passed the House of Delegates Wednesday. 'This is a freedom from leg cramps bill,' said Del. Chris Phillips, R-Barbour, a co-sponsor of the legislation. House Bill 2752 would allow riders to operate a motorcycle or moped while standing as long as the rider is facing forward with their feet on the pedals. It is currently banned under state law. According to Phillips, citations have been issued for motorcyclists who weren't seated while driving. The bill passed the House 80-17, but not before Del. Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, criticized the GOP supermajority for what he said was another unnecessary piece of legislation this session. 'Another hard hitting piece of legislation here in the House of Delegates,' Fluharty said. 'If we lined up all the bills that did nothing for the state of West Virginia, Evel Knievel would struggle himself to make it over it. This is insane.' Bill sponsor Del. Kathie Hess Crouse, R-Putnam, said standing up would help motorcyclists with enhanced visibility, better balance and additional shock absorption on rough terrain. Motorcyclists are instructed to stand up in certain situations as part of their required instruction to obtain a motorcycle license, she said. 'This isn't the ability to do tricks or anything,' she said. 'This bill is necessary. We are seeking to match up our state law with what is given in the courses that everyone has to take.' House members engaged in a lengthy debate Tuesday about a proposed bill amendment that would have also removed the helmet requirement for motorcyclists over age 21. Current state law requires all motorcyclists to wear protective headgear, regardless of age. Several lawmakers in support of the amendment said it was 'a freedom' issue. Del. Dave Foggin, R-Wood, sponsored the amendment, saying, 'It's about the personal choice for an adult to wear a helmet when they're riding a motorcycle.' Other lawmakers said that the current law hurt the state's tourism industry since Ohio and Kentucky do not have a motorcycle helmet requirement. The House rejected the amendment after hearing concerns from some lawmakers about rider safety. 'It saves lives,' said Del. John Paul Hott, R-Grant. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
