BILL REQ. #:  S-3369.2 

Read first time 01/20/14.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to bicycle operator identification; adding a new chapter to Title 46 RCW; prescribing penalties; and providing an effective date.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1) "Bicycle" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 46.04.071.
     (2) "Bicycle operator identification number" means a unique number identifying the operator of a bicycle that must be displayed by the operator when using a bicycle on any public street, road, highway, trail, sidewalk, or other recreation facility. The number must be at least six inches in height and be comprised of a material that has reflective properties such that it is visible in both day and nighttime operating conditions.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) Any person age eighteen or older that operates a bicycle in the state must have and display a current bicycle operator identification number when operating a bicycle. Exceptions to this requirement may be made by the department for races or other events where the display of the operator identification number would interfere with identification for race or event purposes.
     (2) A bicycle owner must apply for an original bicycle operator identification number to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director on a form furnished by the department. The application must contain:
     (a) The name and residence address of the applicant;
     (b) Any other information that the department may require.
     (3) The applicant must sign the application for an original bicycle operator identification number. The application for an original bicycle operator identification number must be accompanied by a fee of twenty dollars. The fee must be deposited into the bicycle safety and education account created in section 4 of this act.
     (4) The annual bicycle identification number is valid for one year and may be renewed each subsequent year.
     (5) The department must issue an original or renewal bicycle operator identification number upon receipt of:
     (a) A properly completed application for an original bicycle operator identification number; and
     (b) The payment of twenty dollars that is due at the time of application.
     (6) The bicycle operator identification number must be displayed on the bicycle operator at all times during the operation of a bicycle in this state. A bicycle operator must display the identification number in a manner that makes the entire identification number visible as directed by the department.
     (7) Any operator of a bicycle, whose primary residence address is outside of the state, when operating a bicycle in this state, must comply with this chapter. The out-of-state operator must obtain a bicycle operator identification number.
     (8) The department may adopt rules to implement the bicycle operator identification number program.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   (1) Failure to operate a bicycle in compliance with section 2 of this act is a traffic infraction with a penalty of twenty dollars for the first offense. The court may dismiss the infraction or reduce the penalty if the person provides sufficient proof that the person has obtained a valid bicycle operator identification number.
     (2) The penalty for a second infraction is thirty dollars.
     (3) The penalty for a third infraction is forty dollars.
     (4) The penalty for a fourth or subsequent infraction is equal to the penalty prescribed for other traffic infractions as provided in the penalty schedule adopted pursuant to RCW 46.63.110.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   The bicycle safety and education account is created in the multimodal transportation account. All receipts from bicycle operator identification numbers collected pursuant to section 2 of this act must be deposited into the account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only for grants administered by the department of transportation in the following manner: (1) Seventy-five percent to support the construction, preservation, and maintenance of bicycle lanes and other bicycle-related capital facilities; and (2) twenty-five percent to bicycle safety-related education programs.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   Sections 1 through 4 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 46 RCW.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 6   This act takes effect July 1, 2016.