SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 2434

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

                 Transportation, March 2, 1998

Title:  An act relating to motorcycle handlebars.

Brief Description:  Increasing maximum height for motorcycle handlebars.

Sponsors:  Representatives Pennington, Delvin, Mielke and L. Thomas.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/26/98, 3/2/98 [DP, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Prince, Chair; Benton, Vice Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Haugen, Goings, Heavey, Horn, Jacobsen, Oke, Patterson, Prentice and Rasmussen.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

  Signed by Senator Sellar.

Staff:  Mary McLaughlin (786-7309)

Background:  The maximum height for motorcycle handlebars or grips was established in 1967 at no more than 15 inches higher than the seat or saddle.  One of two standards is usually used by the states in establishing the maximum height of the handlebars:  (1) a maximum number of inches high measured from the seat, or (2) established at a height that is no higher than the shoulders of the operator.

Summary of Bill:  The maximum legal height for motorcycle handlebars or grips is increased from 15 inches to 30 inches, measured from the seat or saddle.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  There is no track record of accidents being attributable to the height of handlebars.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Rep. Pennington, prime sponsor; Pat Schmitt, Linc Jordan, Argic Martin, Cowlitz County ABATE (pro); Larry Walker, ABATE of Washington (pro).