By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Governor Baker a bill prohibiting drivers from parking in bike lanes and from placing their vehicle in a manner that would interfere with the safety and passage of bicyclists. Violators would be fined up to $50.
   Supporters said currently cities and towns pass local ordinances addressing this issue and the result is a patchwork of inconsistent rules and enforcement. They noted that when drivers park in these lanes they endanger bicyclists who are forced to merge into traffic.