HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1081

             As Reported By House Committee on:

                       Transportation

Title:  An act relating to bicycle safety.

Brief Description:  Implementing a bicycle safety program.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Morris, R. Fisher, Braddock, Winsley, Moyer, Paris, Day, G. Fisher, Prentice, H. Sommers, Cooper, R. Johnson, Rust, Dellwo, Pruitt, Phillips, Sprenkle, Riley, Wineberry, Basich, Jacobsen, Leonard, Roland, Bowman, Brekke, Orr, Appelwick and Anderson.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Transportation, February 20, 1991, DPS.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: That Substitute House Bill No. 1081 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 15 members:  Representatives R. Fisher, Chair; R. Meyers, Vice Chair; Cantwell; Cooper; Day; G. Fisher; Heavey; R. Johnson; Jones; Kremen; Nelson; Orr; Prentice; Prince; and Zellinsky.

Minority Report: Do not pass.  Signed by 10 members:  Representatives Betrozoff, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Brough; Forner; Horn; P. Johnson; Mitchell; Schmidt; Wilson; and Wood.

Staff:  David Williams (786-7305).

Background:  Bicycling is increasing in popularity as an alternative mode of transportation.

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 three-tenths of one percent of all new construction project dollars.  The DOT also provides staff support for the Washington State Bicycle Advisory Committee.

State law prohibits the wearing of headphones attached to any electronic device that blocks outside sounds to both ears while operating a motor vehicle.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  A bicycle awareness program is created within the Washington State Patrol (WSP).

Bicycles are defined as vehicles, except for the provisions that relate to titling, registration and the selling of vehicles.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is directed to adopt minimum pavement marking standards for the right edge of arterials in urbanized areas.  These standards will be phased in over time and will allow local jurisdictions to deviate from the standard under special circumstances.

Motor vehicle drivers and bicyclists are allowed to use electronic headsets as long as they have one ear free to hear outside sounds.

A bicycle transportation program manager position is established within the DOT.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  Technical changes are made to clarify the original intent.

Edgestriping standards adopted by the Department of Transportation (DOT) will be phased in over time, and local jurisdictions will be allowed to deviate from the standard under special circumstances.

DOT's responsibility for administering the bicycle transportation management program is clarified.

The DOT will not be required to develop a grant program to distribute funds to localities.

The appropriation is removed.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  (Original bill) Equity in enforcement would be provided.  Bicycle safety education will be improved.  Day-to-day bicycle facility coordination and awareness would be considered when developing other transportation projects.

Testimony Against:  (Original bill) There is a high cost to localities associated with removal of raised pavement markers.  There is concern with the liability associated with maintaining visibility of edgestripes.

Witnesses:  Diane Lister, Bicycle Federation of Washington; Stan Finkelstein, Association of Washington Cities (concerned with edgestriping language as written); Mike Dornfeld, City of Seattle; Vern Wagar, County Road Administration Board (also concerned with edgestriping language); Phil Miller, King County Road Share Program; Ilene Kasten, Washington State Injury Prevention Program/Department of Health; Susie Tracy, Washington State Medical Association and Washington State Ambulance Association; Steve Lind, Traffic Safety Commission (supports the bicycle safety program); Cliff Mansfield, Department of Transportation (supports bicycle safety program); and Fritz Stout, Capital Bicycling Club.