SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 6434

BYSenate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Bender and Metcalf)

Enhancing bicycle safety.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 2, 1990

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6434 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bender, Benitz, DeJarnatt, McMullen, Madsen, Murray.

Senate Staff:Brad Lovaas (786-7307)

                  March 3, 1990

House Committe on Transportation

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 8, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Bicycling is increasing in popularity as a form of recreation and as an alternative mode of transportation.

In 1987, the number of children aged 1-14 killed in bicycle accidents was seven, with 751 injured.  In 1988, there were seven killed and 599 injured.

The Washington State Patrol's safety education section teaches bicycle safety as part of its safety education program.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) provides funding for bicycle paths and wider roadway shoulders by dedicating 3/10 of 1 percent of all new construction project dollars.  The DOT also provides staff support for the Washington State Bicycle Advisory Committee.

Currently it is illegal to wear headphones attached to any electronic device which blocks outside sounds to both ears while operating a motor vehicle.

SUMMARY:

A bicycle awareness program is created within the Washington State Patrol.  This program will become a component of the existing safety education officer program.

The Washington State Patrol's Safety Education Officer Program is authorized to use volunteers.

Motor vehicle drivers and bicyclists are allowed to use electronic devices as long as they can hear sounds with one ear.

Any person under the age of 16 who operates a bicycle on the public roadways is required to wear a bicycle helmet approved by the Washington State Patrol.

It is unlawful for any person to transport on a bicycle, anyone who is under 16 and not wearing an approved bicycle helmet.

"Guardian" is defined for the purposes of this act.

It is unlawful to sell bicycle helmets not approved by the Washington State Patrol.

It is unlawful to rent a bicycle to anyone who does not have a bicycle helmet in their possession.

Violations of the provisions of this act are a traffic infraction.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Warnke; Amy Rayborn, Jeremiah Bigelow, Ann Garrett, Mukilteo Elementary; Tim Erickson, Washington State Patrol; Ilene Kastere, Department of Health; Gerald Van Noy, Department of Social and Health Services; Don Lund, Department of Transportation; Jane Abraham, Bicycle Federation of Washington; Dale Carlson, Jim Lazar, Sprocketman; Chuck Hayes, Traffic Safety Commission

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The educators used in the program must be certified in defensive bicycle riding skills.

For the purpose of Title 46, bicycles are considered vehicles, except for the provisions that relate to titling, registration, and the selling of vehicles.

Uniform roadway edgestriping standards are to be adopted by the Department of Transportation by January 1, 1991.  The standards shall apply to all principal and minor arterials and collector streets in areas over 50,000 in population.  All affected areas must be in compliance by July 1, 1993.

A bicycle coordinator is established in the Traffic Safety Commission.  The bicycle coordinator shall coordinate all bicycle programs throughout state agencies.