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Woodfin Town Council unanimously backs 'Lenny's Law' bicycle safety zones after local fatal crash
Summary
After testimony from family members and a crash survivor, Woodfin Town Council adopted a resolution endorsing the proposed 'Lenny's Law' bicycle safety zones and asked staff to work with regional partners to identify pilot locations and promote state legislation.
Woodfin Town Council voted unanimously April 21 to adopt a resolution endorsing the Leonard Antonelli and Jacob Hill Bicycle Safety Zone Act of 2025, commonly called "Lenny's Law," after emotional testimony from family members and a crash survivor.
The resolution, read into the record by Council Member Cohen, expresses the town's support for establishing designated bicycle safety zones on popular cycling routes where stricter enforcement of posted speed limits and increased penalties for violations would apply. Council adopted the measure after advocates described the July 1 crash that killed Leonard "Lenny" Antonelli and Jacob Hill and injured Griffin Tishner.
"In my grief, I am advocating for changes to ensure that no one else has to experience what I'm going through," said Maddie Brawndo, who identified herself as a Buncombe County resident and the fiancee of one victim, urging the council to endorse the proposal. Crash survivor Griffin Tishner recounted the collision and said cyclists are "vulnerable road users" who need stronger protections.
Adam Smith, chair of the Woodfin Parks and Community Enrichment Committee (PACE), told the council the concept is modeled on school and construction zones and would rely primarily on signage and increased fines. Smith noted that, following advocacy, the North Carolina Department of Transportation installed roughly 96 warning signs along Riverside Drive to highlight high bicycle activity.
Town staff and the resolution encourage regional coordination with the Metropolitan Planning Organization and NCDOT and call on the North Carolina General Assembly to consider legislation that would authorize bicycle safety zones and enhance penalties for speeding in those zones. The adopted resolution also asks staff and PACE to identify suitable non‑DOT town roads for a pilot bicycle safety zone.
Council members moved, seconded and signaled assent; the resolution passed by vocal vote. Mayor (chair) closed the discussion noting local media coverage was expected that evening.
The action commits the town to advocacy and local pilot planning steps; any enforcement changes on state‑owned roads would require state action or partnership with NCDOT. The council adjourned later that evening.
