House Passes Bill That Would Allow Motorcyclists To Stand On Vehicles

Motorcyclists could soon be permitted to stand upright on their vehicles while traveling on West Virginia roadways — if the state’s upper legislative chamber agrees with a Wednesday decision from the West Virginia House of Delegates.

House Bill 2752 would permit motorcyclists to stand on their vehicles while facing forward and keeping their feet on its pedals or footpegs. Proposed by Del. Kathie Hess Crouse, R-Putnam, the bill passed the House by a vote of 80 to 17, and now heads to the West Virginia Senate for further consideration.

“This isn’t the ability to stand and do tricks or anything,” Hess Crouse said on the House floor Wednesday.

Hess Crouse said the bill would permit riders to stand on their vehicles when needed for safety and performance purposes, like when roadway visibility is blocked or when rough terrain requires shock absorption. 

Standing helps with “avoiding potholes and everything,” plus “cooling and air flow,” she said.

But Del. Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, said focus on the bill reflects misplaced priorities in the legislative chamber.

“Well, vroom vroom, West Virginia! Another hard-hitting piece of legislation here in the West Virginia House of Delegates,” he said. “Wow! Addressing standing while driving a motorcycle.”

The bill’s passage comes on the heels of a lengthy debate Tuesday over an amendment that would have made helmet usage optional for motorcyclists over age 21. That amendment was voted down.