Bike-Ped Total Access 2000 Bill Summary

HB 1096 / SB 641

The following summary was put together by Del. Jim Rosapepe to outline the important provisions of the newly passed Bike/Ped Access 2000 Bill.

  1. Statement of Legislative Policy - Bicycle and Pedestrian Access

    2. It is the policy of this State to encourage bicycling and walking as energy efficient modes of transportation, to adopt the goal of significantly increasing the percentage of trips performed by walking or bicycling by the year 2000 and to ensure that bicycling and walking receive a reasonable degree of all transportation funds under the control of the State.

  2. Preservation of Sidewalks, Bike Lanes and Shoulders

    3. The Department of Transportation shall not approve any project that will result in the destruction or severance of an existing major route for bicycle and pedestrian traffic unless such project provides a reasonable alternative route or such a route exists.

  3. Inventory of Bicycle and Pedestrian Access to Transit Stops

    4. The State Highway Administration (SHA) shall prepare and follow guidelines based on generally accepted engineering standards for accommodating bicycle and pedestrian traffic on all roads where bicycling and walking are permitted. The SHA, in cooperation with local governments, shall, by July 1, 1997, inventory state and local facilities near transit stops to determine what improvements are needed to accommodate bicycling and walking within a reasonable distance of these stops. By July 1, 1997, the SHA shall work with local governments to draft a plan for bicycle priority route system that provides a viable network for transportation throughout the state.

  4. Adding Sidewalks to State Roads in Urban Areas

    5. The SHA shall pay 100% of the cost of sidewalks on urban section state highways in conjunction with roadway construction or improvement. In response to local master plans or to local requests, the SHA will share the cost 50/50 of adding sidewalks to existing state highways with local governments. For Fiscal Years 1996 through 1998, the total statewide cost may not exceed $2 million.

  5. Bicycle Access to State Jobs and Colleges

    6. All state agencies and public institutions for higher education shall provide reasonable accommodation for bicycle/pedestrian traffic and bicycle parking at all facilities under the control of that agency or institution by FY 2000.

  6. Planning and Zoning for Bicycle and Pedestrian Access

    7. The SHA and local governments shall designate bike-ped priority areas on public right of ways, including state highways, which the SHA and local government shall develop traffic calming policies to increase safety and accessibility for bicyclists and pedestrians. Local governments having zoning authority shall update their zoning ordinances to include a requirement for bicycle/pedestrian access and bicycle parking. Bicycling parking could be allowed to be substituted for auto parking, at the discretion of the local government.

  7. Providing Continuity for Bicycle Routes

    8. This provides that a person who lawfully operating a bicycle on the shoulder of a road may, when the shoulder ends or is overlaid with a right turn lane, continue to bicycle in the travel lanes of the roadway. (Note: Under current law, a bicyclist may not leave the shoulder to enter a travel lane if the speed limit is over 50 mph.)

  8. Passing Bicycles Safely

    9. This provides drivers of motor vehicles must exercise due care when near bicycles. (Note: Fear of being sideswiped limits full access to roads with narrow lanes.)

Reports and Studies Required By This Bill

The Department of transportation is required to undertake the following studies and reports: