Programs; Advocacy; Legislative Success

At the Texas Legislature and at the U.S. Congress, the Texas Bicycle Coalition represents the interests of Texas bicycle dealers and distributors in addition to bicycle advocacy and educational project.

2009
In Texas' regular legislative session in 2009, the Safe Passing Bill was filed in the Senate by Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) and Chairman John Carona (R-Dallas) as SB 488 on January 15th, and the companion bill was filed in the House by Linda Harper-Brown (R-Irving) as HB 827 on January 27th.

2007
Transportation Enhancements Recission Battle

2007
In Texas’ regular legislative session in 2007, the Safe Passing Bill co-authored by Senator Rodney Ellis and Chairman John Carona, made it through 90% of the legislative process but only 23% of the 6,190 bills that were filed in 2007 made it through the legislative gauntlet. Although cyclists were disappointed that we did not get the three feet minimum passing clearance passed into law in 2007, it was substantially more successful than in the 2005 session.

2005
Passage of the Bicycle Tourism Trails Bill - SB 602

2005
Passage of the Souvenir Licence Plate Bill - HB 1735

2004:
Federal Safe Routes to School (SR2S) set to pass with $90 million awarded to Texas. At least 120 Texas schools will benefit from SR2S traffic safety improvements. Achieved highest-ever federal funding levels for safe bicycle/pedestrian facilities.

2003:
The Texas legislature passed legislation creating the "Share the Road Y’all" Special License Plate. Since they became available to the public in April 2004, the plate, bearing Lance Armstrong's likeness, has been a hit, with hundreds sold.

2002:
TxDOT allocated $3 million for SR2S through the efforts of BikeTexas

2001:
Stopped Senate Bill 238, anti-bike legislation, from passing through the Texas Legislature where upon Texas State Senator Jeff Wentworth fully acknowledged the power of the Texas bicycle lobby to the press.

"He has received more calls, letters, and emails from his constituents on SB 238 than any other bill he has introduced. The cycling lobby had done an effective job of networking."
-- Jan. 2001, San Antonio Express-News

2001:
Passed the Matthew Brown Act, authorizing TxDOT to create and administer a SR2S program.

2001:
Blocked House Bill 2337 that would have prevented mountain bike trail volunteers from working on trail maintenance.

2000:
TxDOT awards $63.7 million for bicycle & pedestrian projects, the largest allocation to date for the Transportation Equity Act - 21st Century (TEA-21) spending.

1997:
Legislation awarded $2.5 million in funding for the Share the Road campaign and increased TxDOT support of bicycles. We mobilized support for TEA-21.

1993:
BikeTexas worked to pass legislation requiring bicycle safety curriculum for Texas schools. That same session, legislation gave cyclists the right on roadway maintenance shoulders and legalized the right hand signal for right turns.