Legislation

GOAL: Ensure that new and amended state laws make it possible for more Californians to safely choose bicycling for transportation and recreation.

We advocate for bicycling at the State Capitol by sponsoring legislation as well as tracking bills that are favorable or unfavorable to bicycling. Below is a list of bills we’re sponsoring for the 2012 legislative session.

Safe passing

Summary: Amends California Vehicle Code Section 21750 to specify three feet as the minimum passing distance for motor vehicles overtaking bicycles in the same lane.  The bill is written to resolve concerns expressed last year by Gov. Brown when he vetoed SB 910, a similar bill sponsored by CBC.

Current law: When overtaking other motor vehicles and bicycles, drivers must pass at an unspecified “safe distance.”

Status: This legislation will be authored by Long Beach Sen. Alan Lowenthal. Bill language has been submitted to the Legislative Counsel for review. A bill number will be assigned when the bill is formally introduced.

AB 819 (Wieckowski): Modern bikeway design standards

Summary: Establishes an experimental process within Caltrans to authorize cities and counties to implement bikeway designs not contained in the Highway Design Manual maintained by Caltrans.

Current law: Cities and counties must follow bikeway design standards contained in Chapter 1000 of the Highway Design Manual.

Status: Awaiting its first hearing in the Senate. The Assembly voted 54-21 to approve the bill on Jan. 26, 2012. On Jan. 4, the Assembly Transportation Committee amended the bill by inserting the current bill language in place of provisions drafted by CBC that would have freed cities and counties to follow standards other than those contained in the Highway Design Manual.

• Read the full text of the bill in its current form

Past legislation