Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 1403

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Addressing the detection of motorcycles and bicycles at vehicle-activated traffic control signals.

Sponsors: Representatives Williams, DeBolt, Rolfes, Hinkle, Upthegrove, Blake, Moeller, Newhouse, Takko, Green, Walsh, Short, Haler, Kelley, Hurst, Van De Wege, McCune, Kristiansen, Condotta, Warnick, Hunt, Goodman, Johnson, Simpson and Sullivan.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires vehicle-activated traffic control devices to routinely and reliably detect motorcycles and bicycles.

Hearing Date: 2/5/09

Staff: Christie Parker (786-7322)

Background:

Vehicle-activated traffic control devices cause signals to change when a vehicle is present. Most vehicle detectors are copper wires ("loops") embedded just below the pavement of intersection approaches. The signal controller has electronic equipment that creates a magnetic field above the loop detector. When a vehicle passes over the loop, the change in magnetic field is detected and processed by the signal controller. This allows the traffic signal to be operated based on vehicle demand.

These detectors can be adjusted for different vehicle types, including trucks, passenger automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. Modifying the sensitivity of the detector adjusts the amount of change in magnetic field necessary for the detector to identify a vehicle. While lower sensitivity can mean that sensors do not detect motorcycles and bicycles, higher sensitivity has the potential to increase false vehicle detection. City, county, and state transportation agencies are responsible for ensuring the loop detectors work.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) owns about 1,040 vehicle-activated traffic control signals, all of which can be adjusted to detect motorcycles and bicycles. The WSDOT does not currently evaluate whether signals reliably detect motorcycles and bicycles as part of its routine maintenance and monitoring of traffic signals. Washington cities are responsible for about 3,734 intersections with vehicle-activated traffic control signals; counties are responsible for about 1,643.

Summary of Bill:

The bill states the following:

"Bicycles" are defined as human-powered vehicles with metallic wheels at least 16 inches in diameter or with metallic braking strips and components. "Motorcycles" are defined as motor vehicles with no more than three wheels ridden by a driver astride the motor or power train and designed to be steered with a handle bar.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.