SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5421

BYSenators Tanner, Bluechel, Bender and McDonald

Establishing a state bicycle program.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 10, 1987; February 12, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5421 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Peterson, Chairman; Hansen, Vice Chairman; Tanner, Vice Chairman; Bender, Conner, DeJarnatt, Garrett, Halsan, Smitherman.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Patterson, West.

Senate Staff:Brad Lovaas (786-7307)

                  February 19, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 12, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Washington State Traffic Safety Commission was established in 1967 to find solutions to the problems associated with increased traffic on the state highways.  The Commission is charged with developing programs which help in reducing the number of accidents.  These programs include the development of educational materials, statewide and local safety programs, and support the enforcement of traffic laws.

The Director of the Commission, appointed by the Governor, is responsible for carrying out rules and programs adopted by the Commission and authorized to hire staff necessary to have the adopted rules carried out.  The Commission is composed of the Governor, the SPI, DOT, DOL, WSP, DSHS, and a representative of the counties, cities and judiciary.

SUMMARY:

The Washington State Traffic Safety Commission shall establish and operate a statewide bicycle program.  A full-time staff position is created to administer the program.  The bicycle coordinator shall encourage the safe use of bicycles and will work with all state agencies in bicycle related projects.

Appropriation:    In 1987-89 there is $200,000 appropriated from the motor vehicle fund to the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The funding is reduced from $200,000 to $90,000 with the $45,000 coming from both the general fund and the motor vehicle fund.  In addition, the language which specified that the bicycle coordinator would assist the Department of Transportation in prioritizing bicycle-related projects is deleted, and language is inserted which states the coordinator shall have input into prioritizing and programming of bicycle-related projects.

Senate Committee - Testified: Julie Peterson, Traffic Safety Commission; Bill Porter; Todd Litman, Bicycle Federation of Washington; Sgt. Jim Pryde, Olympia Police Department; Clyde Slemmer, Department of Transportation; Dick Welsh; Vicki Beres