Here at Bike Charlottesville we’re still riled up about the ill-informed, partisan arguments made by the House Transportation Subcommittee #2 members during deliberation of HB 1683, the bill that if passed would have made it illegal to follow a cyclist, motorized wheelchair, moped too closely or pass within 3 feet.Yes, cyclists bear a burden to ride predictably, courteously, and according to the law. Absolutely, and we’re going to do everything we can to spread the good word. The fact that some do not ride predictably, courteously, and according to the law, much like motorists don’t always drive as they should, is not an acceptable argument to deny vulnerable users of the road sufficient safeguards against the hazards that motorists create.Missed the meeting? You can watch this video and see for yourself:Virginia House Transportation Subcommittee 2 deliberates HB 1683 Jan 26 2011 from Heather Higgins on Vimeo.Cycling advocates from the Virginia Bicycling Federation (Champe Burnley, Bud Vye), Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling (Tim Rosato), River City Women’s Racing (Monica Glave), and Bike Charlottesville (Scott Paisley, Heather Higgins) attended a meeting of the House Transportation Subcommittee #2 on January 26, 2011. This is the deliberation of HB 1683 (illegal to follow or pass too closely (3ft)) that we heard. The bill was laid aside (defeated).