A bill that would require motorists to use specific caution when passing bicyclists on Iowa roads was approved by the state Senate last week but some say it’s pointless legislation.

District 10 State Senator Jake Chapman says even proponents of the bill stood on the floor of the Senate and told them the bill does nothing to change the law but it’s about education.

“We already have the law in place.  If you’re going to pass bicyclists, you need to treat them as a motor vehicle and pass in the adjacent lane.  I’m not in favor of expanding Iowa code just to expand Iowa code.  If we want to talk about education, and certainly I’m in favor of that.  It’s a great recreational activity, and actually for some people it’s their manes for transportation.  We need to promote safe education and how to treat bicyclists, and how bicyclists need to treat drivers.”

Chapman says he doesn’t feel it’s prudent for lawmakers to take up bills for laws that are already in place.  Though it’s a feel good bill, he says it didn’t accomplish anything.