Photo: State Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) testifies in support of legislation to better protect vulnerable roadway users, including bicyclists, pedestrians and wheelchair users, from serious injury and death (2025).

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 24, 2026 — Bipartisan legislation led by state Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) and state Sen. Thomas Albert (R-Lowell) to strengthen protections for vulnerable roadway users passed unanimously out of the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.

House Bill 4334, sponsored by Rogers, and Senate Bill 217, sponsored by Albert, work together to enhance penalties when a moving violation causes serious injury or death to a vulnerable roadway user and provide corresponding sentencing guidelines. The legislation applies to vulnerable roadway users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchair users, postal workers and others traveling outside the protection of a motor vehicle.

“I am proud to be from the bike-friendly community of Kalamazoo. As a runner and cyclist, I have had my own brushes with near crashes, and I have rehabilitated survivors of vehicular crashes who will never be the same as a healthcare provider. Whether someone is walking, biking, using a wheelchair or otherwise sharing our roads, they deserve to be protected under the law,” Rogers said. “I’m proud to work alongside Senator Albert on this bipartisan effort, and I’m grateful to Senator Sean McCann and Representative Pauline Wendzel for their work and contributions to moving this issue forward. This package will give law enforcement and prosecutors the tools needed to address the gaps in current law for crimes involving death or serious injury of a vulnerable roadway user, and I look forward to continuing that work as these bills advance.”

Under the legislation, drivers who commit a moving violation that seriously injures a vulnerable roadway user could face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both, if the injury requires inpatient hospital or post-acute rehabilitation treatment. If the violation results in death, the driver could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $7,500, or both.

“It’s great to see this bipartisan legislation — which also would strengthen Michigan’s ‘slow down and move over’ law — continue to gain momentum,” Albert said. “I’m hopeful we can finalize these important traffic safety changes very soon.”

“Representative Julie Rogers has been a tireless champion for the Justice for Vulnerable Roadway Users legislation. This moment represents six years of work by advocates, families, and lawmakers who refused to let this issue drop. LMB’s members are mobilized and pushing HB 4334 to the summit — we’re not stopping until we get there,” said Andy Rohrer, executive director of the League of Michigan Bicyclists.

With Wednesday’s unanimous committee vote, the legislation now advances for further consideration on the House floor.

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