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Survivors of fatal Kalamazoo bicycle crash testify for tougher safety laws

Posted at 11:26 AM, Sep 27, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-27 16:51:33-04

LANSING, Mich. - Four survivors of a bicycle crash that killed five people in Kalamazoo County testified in Lansing Wednesday for increased safety on the roads.

Paul Runnels, Sheila Jeske, Jennifer Johnson and Paul Gobble were part of a group of bicyclists who were hit by a driver in a  pickup truck on June 7, 2016.  Five people were killed. Charles Pickett is awaiting trial for several crimes, including five counts of murder.

The legislation is sponsored by State Senator Margartet O'Brien of Portage.  The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the safety bills Wednesday morning and they now move on to the Senate. A similar bill is moving its way through the House of Representatives.