Mo. town passes law protecting cyclist

COLUMBIA, Mo., June 17 (UPI) -- Columbia, Mo., home of the University of Missouri, has passed an ordinance aimed at protecting bicyclists from physical and verbal assaults.

Cyclists who testified at the city council meeting Monday night told stories of having ashtrays emptied on them and drivers who tried to run them off the road, The Columbia Missourian reported.

"Unfortunately, there are people in our community who believe that roads are for automobiles and bicyclists who dare ride on the road should be honked at, yelled at or even have something thrown at them," said Robert Johnson, education coordinator of PedNet.

Columbia Police Chief Ken Burton said the ordinance "fills in the gaps," because in the past the only charge for attacking a cyclist was third-degree assault. Under the new law, violators could face a year in jail or $1,000 fine.

The council plans to amend the ordinance at its July meeting to expand protection to pedestrians.