O P I N I O N
THE SOAPBOX
Stand up. Speak up. It’s your turn.
I am writing to express my concern about remarks made by Representative Walsh, Chair of the Transportation Committee, during testimony on SB 559 (timestamp 3:34:05) during the House Session on April 23.
During the debate on SB559 he stated, “…it is against the law to run over pedestrian. It is against the law to run bicycles off the road even though it’s sometimes very tempting…,” after which laughter could be heard in the hall.
Those comments were inappropriate and suggest a misunderstanding of the legal right of cyclists to share the road. There is no situation in which anyone should be “tempted” to run a cyclist off the road. Remarks like this normalize and may encourage aggressive behavior toward people who ride bicycles and undermine public safety.
I have been a cyclist for many years and have personally experienced aggressive driving while riding. I have been run off the road, physically assaulted while cycling, and have had numerous close calls.
My experience is not unique; many cyclists report similar incidents. Distracted and aggressive drivers are making cycling dangerous, and the state has done too little to address the problem.
In 2024 there were four adult cyclists killed in New Hampshire. Nationally, there were 1,166 pedal cyclist fatalities in 2023 and an estimated 49,989 pedal cyclists injured, an 8 percent increase over 2022. Given these facts, public statements by leader’s matter.
At minimum, Representative Walsh should apologize and clarify his remarks. I also request that the House determine whether Representative Walsh holds a bias against cyclists and whether that bias interferes with his responsibilities as Chair of the Transportation Committee.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please feel free to contact me if you would like additional information or to discuss this further.
NH Rep. Mark S. MacKenzie, D-Hillsborough 40, is a retired Manchester Fire Captain and President Emeritus of the New Hampshire AFL-CIO.
Beg to differ? Agree to disagree? Comment below using our DISQUS app. Got issues of your own? You can DIY your submission to The Soapbox here.