Ginny Burdick is a champion for bicyclists and walkers. A senior Oregon State Senator, Ginny has had her hands in the primary bicycle and pedestrian related bills that have passed the Legislature in the recent sessions.
While among legislators the Senator’s claim to fame may be winning the legislative walking competition in 2005 (members track their total daily steps using a pedometer) her constituents know her as the champion of passing key pedestrian laws. In 2003 Senator Burdick championed the Stop and Stay Stopped legislation to protect the rights of walkers, and improved upon it in 2005.
The Senator is a strong cyclist, riding her beloved Lightspeed bicycle as often as her busy schedule allows. In Salem, Senator Burdick’s leadership was instrumental in ensuring the passage of the BTA’s bicycle bills in 2005. She used her position as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee to sponsor SB 938, the legal provisions that now allow bicyclists to pass on the right and leave bicycle lanes. She also cleared room at the end of session to pass the Safe Routes to School bill out of her committee.
In 2007 Ginny remains committed to bicycle issues. So far, her Judiciary Committee sponsored the BTA’s SB 299 to improve cyclists’ safety and she personally is the chief sponsor to the pedestrian hand signal bill brought forward by the BTA and the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition. Her committee has also heard bills on distracted driver and banning hand-held cell-phones will driving, both which she supports.
We are excited to have an outstanding elected official like Senator Burdick who just keeps on biking!
