Cycling Advocacy: Safety and Legislative Updates

Hello all — I need your help. Last week, I was in Washington lobbying with The White Line Foundation to push for the passage of the Magnus White Cycling Safety Act (H.R.3649). This important bill aims to enhance Asheville cycling safety by requiring auto manufacturers to equip all new cars with automatic emergency braking systems. These systems are specifically designed to detect cyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users. This technology, already mandated in Europe, is projected to prevent 52% of fatal collisions and will cost about $23 per car. Additionally, with ongoing Blue Ridge Parkway road construction, implementing such safety measures has become even more crucial for protecting all road users.

I encourage you to reach out to Congressman Chuck Edwards, who represents our district in WNC, to ask him to co-sponsor the Magnus White Cycling Safety Act. Be personal and direct, sharing what this bill means for Asheville cycling safety, especially in light of the ongoing Blue Ridge Parkway road construction. I have already met with him personally, and he is aware of the proposal. If we are vocal enough, I am confident he will listen and help get this initiative across the line.

On July 1, 2025, Lennie Antonelli and Jake Hill were tragically killed on the road. I went from laughing with them during the Tuesday Night Ride to watching them die in a matter of seconds. Unfortunately, I now know what it's like to hold my best friend in my arms as he takes his final breaths. I sincerely hope that none of you ever have to go through such a heart-wrenching experience.

Their deaths could be a turning point for improving Asheville cycling safety. This bill, the Magnus White Cycling Safety Act, could save your life, your partner’s life, or your best friend’s life. Additionally, with ongoing Blue Ridge Parkway road construction, our roads are becoming increasingly dangerous. Please don’t hesitate to spread the word; this issue affects us all.

Thank you for reading, and above all, please stay safe out there. I appreciate you joining the fight for safer cycling conditions.

Please vote yes on The Magnus White Cycling Safety Act of 2025 (H.R.3649). 

In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a new rule requiring all new cars and light trucks to include automatic emergency braking (AEB) technology by 2029. However, this regulation missed a critical opportunity to enhance Asheville cycling safety and protect all vulnerable road users. The agency failed to mandate systems that detect bicyclists, focusing solely on preventing collisions with vehicles or pedestrians directly in front of the car. This oversight occurred despite overwhelming public support and clear evidence that AEB systems designed to recognize all vulnerable road users—such as bicyclists, motorcyclists, road workers, and people using mobility devices—could save lives. The Magnus White Cycling Safety Act addresses this significant gap by prioritizing technologies that better protect everyone on the road. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), such systems, tailored to respond to the three most common deadly crash scenarios, could reduce up to 26% of crashes between drivers and cyclists and prevent 52% of fatal collisions. 

AEB systems are already mandated, but we need to enhance these requirements to ensure the safety of vulnerable road users, particularly as we see increased traffic related to Blue Ridge Parkway road construction. Please vote yes to safeguard lives on our roads.

Congressman Chuck Edwards announces mobile office hours in Buncombe, McDowell, and Madison Counties. This is a great opportunity for constituents to discuss matters directly with the staff of Congressman Edwards, including topics like Asheville cycling safety and the Magnus White Cycling Safety Act. Please note: Congressman Edwards will not be present; only his staff will attend the mobile office. Additionally, if you have questions about the Blue Ridge Parkway road construction, this is a perfect chance to get updates.