The New Hampshire House Transportation Committee convened on February 11, 2025, to discuss several legislative proposals, including House Bill 249, which aims to enhance bicycle safety by allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs and stop lights as stop signs under certain conditions.

Paula Bedard, a Goffstown resident and certified bike safety instructor, presented her support for the bill, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures at intersections, which are statistically high-risk areas for cyclists. Bedard highlighted her extensive experience in bicycle advocacy and education, noting that studies have shown that similar laws in other jurisdictions have led to increased safety for cyclists. She cited a 2023 fact sheet from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which supports the proposed changes.

During the discussion, committee members inquired about the enforcement of current traffic laws concerning cyclists. Bedard acknowledged that while she had heard of rare instances of cyclists receiving tickets for traffic violations, it is not common. Representative Ellen Reed also expressed her support for the bill, arguing that it would encourage safe cycling behavior and reduce congestion.

Jonathan Vale, a Nashua resident and member of local cycling advocacy groups, added his perspective as a year-round bike commuter. He shared his experiences with traffic signals and the challenges cyclists face, particularly at red lights that do not change. Vale echoed Bedard's sentiments regarding the need for legislative support to promote safer cycling practices.

Bill Lambert and Jerry Bedard from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation provided insights into traffic signal operations and the potential implications of the proposed law. Lambert explained that while the maximum cycle length for traffic signals is 120 seconds, cyclists often face delays due to detection issues at intersections. He noted that he was not aware of any significant enforcement actions against cyclists for infractions related to the proposed changes.

The committee concluded the hearing on House Bill 249, noting that 37 individuals had expressed support for the bill online, while seven opposed it. The discussion highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve cycling safety in New Hampshire and the importance of legislative measures to support this initiative. The committee plans to continue its review of the bill and other transportation-related legislation in upcoming sessions.