Contributory Negligence Bill unlikely to get out of committee. Expanded to include peds and wheelchair users.

From the Post

Council members Tommy Wells, chair of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, and David Grosso (D-At-Large), the bill’s main sponsor, said at a press conference Thursday that the bill is long overdue. They acknowledge the bill is unlikely to advance out of the committee — this is the third time it has been introduced –and already were talking about trying again next year.

Ward 6 CM-elect Charles Allen has already promised to support it.

When introduced, the bill only covered cyclists, but since its September hearing, it has been expanded to also cover pedestrians and people with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs.

Another amendment is likely to be added that protects joint and several liability. Why won't it pass?

But the American Insurance Association says the change is unnecessary and would result in significant cost increases to D.C. drivers.

Where is the all-powerful bike lobby when you need it?

Comments

[charlie]

I'd assume the all-powerful bike lobby is having lunch with the all-powerful plaintiffs attorney lobby today.

[AtlasCesar]

Who on the committee has openly opposed it?

[dynaryder]

WABA says they're going to post a scorecard:
http://dcist.com/2014/11/contributory_negligence_presser.php

[dynaryder]

Hey Wash,well played over on DCist with D_P_R. He's a complete tool and needed that.