BP BHEAD INT H

AN ACT Relating to bicycle safety education; amending RCW 28A.220.050, 46.20.095, 46.82.430, and 46.83.040; adding a new section to chapter 28A.220 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds and declares that bicycling is becoming increasingly popular in Washington as a clean and efficient mode of transportation, as a recreational activity, and as an organized sport. Future plans for the state's transportation system will require increased access and safety for bicycles on our common roadways, and federal transportation legislation and funding programs have created strong incentives to implement these changes quickly. As a result, many more people are likely to take up bicycling in Washington both as a leisure activity and as a convenient, inexpensive form of transportation. Bicyclists are more vulnerable to injury and accident than motorists, and should be as knowledgeable as possible about traffic laws, be highly visible and predictable when riding in traffic, and be encouraged to wear bicycle safety helmets. Hundreds of bicyclists are seriously injured every year in car-bicycle accidents, and millions of dollars are spent on health care costs associated with these accidents. There is clear evidence that organized training in the rules and techniques of safe and effective cycling can significantly reduce the incidence of serious injury and accidents among bicyclists, increase cooperation among road users, and significantly increase the incidence of bicycle helmet use, particularly among minors.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 28A.220 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The superintendent of public instruction shall establish a program for training persons in the safe and effective operation of bicycles, and shall cooperate with the Washington state patrol, the traffic safety commission, the state criminal justice training commission, the Bicycle Federation of America, the League of American Bicyclists, state and local bicycling organizations, local governments, public school districts, or other appropriate public and private organizations in developing and operating the program.

(2) The superintendent of public instruction shall prescribe minimum qualifications for instructors and minimum elements of the program. The program shall include instruction concerning:

(a) The safe handling and use of bicycles;

(b) High-risk traffic situations;

(d) On-bike training;

(e) Correct use of bicycle helmets;

(f) Traffic laws and regulations; and

(g) The number and severity of injuries resulting from bicycling accidents in Washington and nationally and the number and severity of such injuries among minors.

(3) Upon successful completion of the program, participants shall receive a bicycle safety education certificate signed by an authorized instructor. The certificate is evidence of compliance with this section.

Sec. 3. RCW 28A.220.050 and 1986 c 93 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

The superintendent of public instruction shall include information on the proper use of the left-hand lane by motor vehicles on multilane highways and on bicyclists' rights and responsibilities in instructional material used in traffic safety education courses.

Sec. 4. RCW 46.20.095 and 1986 c 93 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

The department shall include information on the proper use of the left-hand lane by motor vehicles on multilane highways and on bicyclists' rights and responsibilities in its instructional publications for drivers.

Sec. 5. RCW 46.82.430 and 1986 c 93 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

Instructional material used in driver training schools shall include information on the proper use of the left-hand lane by motor vehicles on multilane highways and on bicyclists' rights and responsibilities and suggested riding procedures in common traffic situations.

Sec. 6. RCW 46.83.040 and 1961 c 12 s 46.83.040 are each amended to read as follows:

It shall be the purpose of every traffic school which may be established hereunder to instruct, educate, and inform all persons appearing for training in the proper, lawful, and safe operation of motor vehicles, including but not limited to rules of the road and the limitations of persons, vehicles, and bicycles and roads, streets, and highways under varying conditions and circumstances.