On Tuesday, Congressman Joe Neguse introduced the Magnus White Cyclist Safety Act of 2024 (H.R. 10347), a piece of legislation designed to reduce road fatalities and protect vulnerable road users, including cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and individuals using micro-mobility devices. The bill is named after Magnus White, a 17-year-old Team USA cyclist who was tragically killed by a reckless driver in Boulder, Colorado, in July 2023.
The bill mandates the integration of advanced Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems in all new vehicles weighing under 10,000 pounds. These systems, already required in the European Union, use sensors, radar, and cameras to detect potential obstacles—such as cyclists and pedestrians—on the road. If the system identifies an imminent collision and the driver does not react in time, the AEB automatically applies the brakes to either prevent the collision or lessen its impact.
If passed, the legislation would direct the U.S. Department of Transportation to develop comprehensive guidelines for AEB systems within the next three years. Following this, vehicle manufacturers would have a two-year grace period to ensure compliance.
“Magnus White’s death was a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers that cyclists and other vulnerable road users face every day. This bill is a step toward preventing such tragedies in the future,” said Congressman Neguse in a statement. “I am deeply inspired by Magnus’s parents, who have turned their grief into a campaign for road safety and justice, honoring their son’s memory by helping make our roads safer.”
Magnus White’s parents, who have been vocal advocates for road safety, expressed their support for the bill, stating, “We can’t bring Magnus back, and that pain will never go away. This bill is not just about technology—it’s about saving lives when drivers fail. We want to ensure that no one else has to bury a loved one because the system didn’t do enough.”
The Magnus White Cyclist Safety Act is still in its early stages. After being introduced, the bill will be reviewed by a Congressional committee, which may hold hearings, make amendments, and eventually vote on the bill. If it passes through the committee, it will proceed to the full House for debate and voting. Should it pass there, the bill will move to the Senate for consideration. If both chambers approve the same version of the bill, it will be sent to the President for final approval or veto.
Neguse’s office has stated that the proposed legislation is an important step in addressing the growing concerns over road safety, particularly for cyclists and pedestrians, and is committed to working toward safer roads for all.
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