State-by-state proposed bicycle legislation -- 2005

Bicycle through a red light or wait for it to turn green? Ride single-file or two abreast? Enjoy a 3-foot clearance from passing traffic? Pay a recycling fee for a new bicycle? These are just some of the issues that are being argued this winter by state legislatures in several states.

California

Assembly Bill 56 (AB56) would allow police to issue tickets to violators of special "bicycle traffic lights" in Davis, Cupertino, and other cities where the lights are being considered. Read the bill here or check its progress at the California legislative site. (Update April 13: The California Aggie reports the bill passed.)

Assembly Bill 1103 (AB1103) requires bicycle dealers to notify purchasers in writing that bicycles can be recycled. It's a major change from an earlier version that would have established the Bicycle Recycling and Disposal Program and required a $7 fee on new bicycles sold in the state. The law also would have created bicycling recycling centers where consumers could be paid $3 to drop off used bicycles that had been subject to the original $7 feet. Read the bill here or check its progress at the California legislative site. (Update: Still in committee in October 2005.)

Colorado

House Bill 1218 (HB1218) would allow cyclists to ride two abreast in most circumstances. Currently bicycle riders must ride single file when a vehicle is within 300 feet.  Check the progress of the bill at the Colorado legislative website. (Update April 6; House and Senate passed bill, but must go back to House to clean up language; signed by Governor on June 3, 2005.)

Idaho

Senate Bill 1131 would allow bicyclists to ride through red lights at intersections after stopping and yielding to crossing traffic. It replaces S1058, which required bicyclists to stop and wait for the light to change. Check on its progress at the Idaho legislative website. (Update: Governor signed the bill into law on March 29.)

Missouri

Senate Bill 372 (SB372) requires motorists to pass bicycle riders and pedestrians by at least 3 feet. It also prohibits motorists from parking or idling in bicycle lanes and requires bicyclists to use hand signals, unless both hands are required to control the bicycle. See the bill at the Missouri legislative website. (Update: Changed language from 3 feet to "safe distance." Signed into law July 12, 2005.)

Utah

House Bill 49 prohibits motor vehicles from operating “knowingly, intentionally or recklessly” within 3 feet of a moving bicycle unless the motorists “operates the motor vehicle within a reasonable and safe distance of the bicycle.” (A previous version of the bill required a 3-foot gap in all occasions.) It also appropriates $20,000 be spent on bicycle safety for one year. Check its progress at the Utah legislative website. (Update March 18; Governor signed the bill)

US

The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) is a public works funding bill that carries a $284 billion price tag for construction of highways and public transit. Included in the bill are 158 bicycle and pedestrian projects, costing about $242 million. There's also a $897 million safe-routes-to-school program that would make improvements to bike lanes, sidewalks and streets in order to encourage kids to walk to school. The bill has passed the House of Representatives and will next be acted on by the Senate. Read more about TEA-21 and its many bicycle projects, or visit the US Department of Transportation TEA-21 website for a copy of the bill and updates. (Update: Enacted by Congress on August 10, 2005)

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