SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5491

BYSenate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Talmadge and Bender)

Requiring edgestriping along certain roadways.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 14, 1989; February 16, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5491 be substituted therefor, and the substitute do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Bender, Conner, McMullen, Madsen, Murray, Sellar, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Cathy Mayo (786-7304)

                  March 15, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 14, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The fog line at the edge of a road, or the edge stripe, provides a clear boundary between the traffic lane and the shoulder of the roadway designated for pedestrian use. 

Traffic engineering studies have shown the value of edge stripes in keeping cars from veering off the road, especially in inclement weather or at night.

Some safety groups look upon edgestriping as a measure that would increase the safety of pedestrians in areas without sidewalks.  By requiring the striping to be performed over a period of three years, local jurisdictions would have time to plan for any expense that might occur.

SUMMARY:

Cities and counties shall place a clearly visible stripe at the edge of all principal arterials, minor arterials and collector streets that do not have curbs and sidewalks, within urbanized areas with a population of 50,000 or more, by July 1, 1992.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Talmadge, prime sponsor; Dr. Abraham Bergman, Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center; Dr. Fred Rivara, Washington State Medical Association; Todd Litman, Bicycle Federation of Washington; Duke Schaub, Washington Highway Users Federation