In 2015 alone, Alex Logemann (pictured right) reviewed more than 20,000 bills and 10,000 regulations proposed at the local and state level. As the State + Local Policy Analyst for PeopleForBikes, it's Logemann's job to monitor legislation aimed at bicycling in jurisdictions across the country — a job that has become more critical as the number of bills advancing or undermining bicycling has ramped up in recent years.
In the coming weeks and months, Logemann's job will become all the more important as state legislatives sessions kick into high gear and advocates fight for funding and policies that make biking better in their cities and states.
So what did we see at statehouses in 2015 and what can we expect in 2016? Last week, we hosted a webinar with Logemann and PFB to explore key trends across the country.
"It's been interesting to see the range of and diversity of legisation and the ways it's played out in different places across the country," Logemann said. "In some states funding was taken away, while in other massive funding packages were passed, so it's difficult to synthesize on a national level. But I think, on the whole, it's been much more favorable than negative because there's increased awareness of the role bicycling plays in transportation. One of the big things we're seeing is the correct posturing of bicycles within that broader American theme of trying to move from just cars to a lot of different transportation options. So I think it's important to continue to spread that message that being pro-bike doesn't make you're anti anything. Biking is just one fantastic way to get around and situated within that larger transportation framework."
In his presentation, Logemann gave us a comprehensive overview of what passed and what was proposed at the state level in 2015, and what's pending (thus far) for 2016. Use the navigation below to find links to bills in various areas — or click here for Logemann's presentation slides (PPT) and here to watch the recording of the full webinar.
Automated Safety Cameras | Bicycle Education| Bicycle Placement on Roadway | Comprehensive Safety | E-bikes | Electronic Devices | Equipment | Helmet requirements | Infrastructure | Land Use | License Plates | Bike Lights | Malfunctioning Traffic Lights | Miscellaneous | Reflective Clothing | Registration & Fees | Reports / Advisory Committees | Safe Passing | Safe Routes to School | Speed Limits | Tourism | Vehicle Passing | Vulnerable Road User
Many states are attempting to restrict the use of automated traffic cameras. None of these bills passed in 2015.
2015 bills:
- California -- AB 1160
- Colorado -- HB 1098 / SB 276 (vetoed)
- Illinois -- HB 141 / HB 173 / HB 487 / HB 3259 / HB 3432 / HB 3965 / HB 4041 / HB 4353
- Washington -- HB 1688 / SB 5336
2016 bills:
- New York -- AB 2192 / SB 1452: Adds bike/ped safety component to drivers education course
- Pennsylvania -- HB 885: Requires schools to develop programs and policies to promote bicycling
- Tennessee -- HB 294 / SB 151: “Urges” the TN Deptartment of Education to include helmet education in its pilot bicycle safety curriculum
Bicycle Placement on the Roadway
States continue to ease the requirement that bicycles travel on the right side of the road in order to avoid common obstacles like gravel or other vehicles.
2015 laws:
2016 bills:- Kentucky -- SB 80
- Vermont
2016 bills:
- District of Columbia -- Bike Safety Bill (B21-0335): Multi-faceted bill to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety that includes: Complete streets, data collection and reporting, distracted driving, pedestrian and bicycle priority zones, Idaho stop and more.
States continue to update their traffic laws to incorporate electric bicycles.
2015 laws:
- California -- AB 1096: Model electric bicycle legislation with 3 classes
- Montana -- HB 280: E-bikes = “bicycles”
- Nebraska -- LB 95: E-bikes = “bicycles”
- New York
- Tennessee
- South Carolina -- H 3909: E-bikes subject to same rights/duties as bicyclists under traffic code
Electronic Devices / Headphones
Legislatures are beginning to address safety concerns raised by the increased use of electronic devices and headphones, and are now proposing laws specifically aimed at bicyclists.
2015 bills:
- New York -- NY AB 111: “Portable electronic devices”
- Massachusetts -- HB 3706: Headphones
Some states are also addressing the regulation of bicycles and accessories...
2015 laws:
- Alaska -- 11 A.A.C. 20.050 and 20.990 defines and regulates the use of fat bikes
2016 bills:
- New Jersey -- S 365 prohibits quick releases on bicycles with 20 inch diameter wheels (or less)
Legislation mandating the use of helmets appeared in several states, but no bills have yet passed.
2015-16 bills:
- California -- SB 192: All ages
- Massachusetts -- S 1117: All ages
- Mississippi -- SB 2183: Under 18
- New York -- AB 1392: Increase age from under 14 to under 18
- Ohio -- SB 48 / SB 157: Under 18 / under 16
- Pennsylvania -- HB 1360: Increase age from under 12 to under 16
In 2015, several states and cities made major investments in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
2015 laws:
- Phoenix, Arizona -- Prop 104: 1,000 miles of new bike lanes
- Florida -- SB 2514: $25 million annually for statewide trail network
- Maine -- LD 145: $17 million bond issue, bike/ped projects eligible
- Washington -- SB 5987: Over $200 million for bike/ped projects through 2031
2016 bills:
- California
2015 laws:
- Idaho -- SB 1044: Prohibits use of eminent domain to acquire land for bicycle or pedestrian paths
2016 bills:
- Delaware -- SB 130: Multi-faceted bill to encourage bicycle use through: Lowering speed limits, incentivizing higher density development, allowing more local control to eliminate pro-motor vehicle requirements like parking
2016 bills:
Many states are considering laws that would replace the mandatory red rear reflector requirement with a red rear light requirement.
2015 laws:
2016 bills:
Many states passed laws in 2015 to allow bicyclists to proceed through traffic lights that cannot recognize them or are not functioning.
2015 laws:
2016 bills:- Florida -- SB 904: “Solar-powered, in-road lights” required on bike paths near urban areas
- Massachusetts -- SB 1810: Side guards on motor vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds
- Missouri -- HB 2046: Requires bicycles on certain roadways to have a fluorescent orange flag extending at least 15 feet above the roadway
In 2015, six states proposed requiring bicyclists to wear reflective clothing. None have passed.
- California -- SB 192
- Massachusetts -- S 1117: “Encourages” use
- Oklahoma -- HB 1761: Daytime use required
- Oregon -- HB 3255
- Pennsylvania -- HB 1361
- South Dakota -- HB 1214: Daytime use required
- Wyoming -- HB 206: Daytime use required
In 2015, there were several attempts to create or increase fees and registration requirements for bicycles. None have been successful.
2015 bills:
- Hawaii -- SB 1371: Increase fee from $15 to $25
- Minnesota -- HF 1656: Requires “bicycle pass” ($20 annually) to ride on trails
- Oregon -- SB 177: Requires registration ($10 per bike) and licensing of riders
- Oregon -- SB 551: Requires registration ($15 biennially)
States are passing laws requiring committees or agencies to study and report on bicycle issues.
2015 laws:
- Montana -- HB 604: MT DOT report on maintaining and repairing multi-use trails
- North Carolina -- H 232: Working group from various agencies and the public to issue report on bicycle safety laws
- New Hampshire -- SB 80: Committee on rail trails
- Virginia -- HB 1542: Develop and implement a statewide system of trails
- Hawaii -- HB 1510: Vision Zero task force
- New Jersey -- S 631: Committee to improve safety and make bicycling and walking viable forms of transportation.
- Massachusetts -- SB 1816: Vulnerable road user safety commission
- New Hampshire -- HB 1347: Study best ways to promote awareness of bicycles and motorcycles on the road, and promote sharing of the road
- Oregon -- HB 2736: Vision Zero task force
- Virginia -- HJ 55: Report regarding the laws and policies governing bicycling on state highways
- Wyoming -- SF 8: Task force to study benefits of bicycle trails/paths
Safe passing distance laws continue to be a popular area of legislation.
2015 laws:
- South Dakota -- HB 1030: 3 feet to pass a bicyclist at 35 mph or less; 6 feet to pass for more than 35 mph
- Wyoming -- HB 85: 3 feet to pass a bicyclist
2016 bills:
Safe Routes to School
In 2016, two states have proposed enhancing their Safe Routes to School programs:
- Florida -- SB 788 requires FL DOT to create a grant program for safe paths to school
- New Jersey -- S 428 creates dedicated funding for Safe Routes to School
Several states have authorized lower speed limits on their streets.
2015 (and earlier) laws:
- New Hampshire -- SB 230 (2015): Allows local government to petition NH DOT to lower speed limits on certain roads
- New York -- A10144 (2014): 25 miles per hour for New York City
- Oregon -- HB 3150 (2011): 5 miles per hour below statutory limit
- Washington -- HB 1045 (2014): 20 miles per hour speed limits
2016 bills:
- Vermont -- Authorize speed limits below 25 miles per hour
A number of states are implementing legislation to promote tourism in their states, specifically using bicycling, or including bicycling among other activities.
2015 bills:
- Nebraska -- LB 329 (passed): Bicycling within definition of “agritourism”
- New York -- AB 7348 / AB 7371 / SB 707 (pending): Promotes bicycle tourism in New York state
Vehicle passing rules (Double yellow line)
States are also updating their traffic codes to allow vehicles to use adjacent lanes or cross the double yellow line when passing bicycles.
2015 laws:
2016 bills:
- Massachusetts -- SB 1879
Many states are attempting to strengthen protection for bicyclists and pedestrians by increasing penalties for collisions involving vulnerable road users.
2015 laws:
- Maine -- LD 1301
2016 bills:
