SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2564
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.
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Transportation, March 03, 2008
Title: An act relating to adding bicyclist and pedestrian safety information to drivers' education curriculum.
Brief Description: Adding bicyclist and pedestrian safety information to drivers' education curriculum.
Sponsors: Representatives Upthegrove, Pedersen, VanDeWege, Ormsby, Hunt, Wood, McIntire, Roberts, Hudgins, Jarrett, Rolfes, Kagi, Chase and Simpson.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/19/08, 73-22.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/27/08, 3/3/08 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Delvin, Eide, Jacobsen, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, King, Pflug, Sheldon and Spanel.
Staff: Janice Baumgardt (786-7319)
Background: Washington residents under age 18 are required to take a traffic safety education course in order to obtain a driver's license, except under very limited circumstances. Courses may be offered at both high schools and private driver training schools. The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) sets the basic course requirements for traffic safety education courses offered in high schools. The Driver's Instructors' Advisory Committee (Committee) is required to create a basic minimum curriculum for courses offered at private driver training schools. Both SPI and the Committee are required to include, among other things, information in driver education courses on the effects of alcohol and drug use on motor vehicle operators, the proper use of the left-hand lane, and information on motorcycle awareness.
Summary of Bill: Bicycle safety and pedestrian safety are added to the subject areas that must be included in the basic traffic safety education curriculum.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Collisions involving pedestrians and bicyclists are a serious problem, and this is a first step to address this problem. The curriculum is already available. Anything we can do to make the healthy choices of walking or bicycling safer is good.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Gordon Black, Bicycle Alliance of Washington; Brian Faller, Bicycle Alliance of Washington, Capital Bicycling Club; Genesee Adkins, Transportation Choices Coalition; Ryan Spiller, Washington Health Foundation.