Preview of the BikeTexas Agenda for the 83rd Legislative Session

BikeTexas staff seeks to build strong relationships of trust and dialogue with Texas Legislators in order to promote cyclist- and pedestrian-friendly legislation. This effort does not stop with the end of the session. BikeTexas staff has been working constantly since the end of the 2011 Texas Legislative Session to establish and further expand these critical relationships through activities ranging from discussion of issues of great concern for cyclists and pedestrians to short, easy-paced social rides with decision-makers using the BikeTexas fleet of hybrid bikes for our guests.

The BikeTexas board and staff have developed this legislative agenda in communication with BikeTexas members and other cyclists and pedestrians across the state in the past two years, sometimes in happy circumstances, sometimes in the face of tragedy. With the session starting Tuesday, January 8, here is a brief overview of the BikeTexas 2013 Legislative agenda.

Complete Streets

Complete Streets legislation ensures that construction and reconstruction projects using federal or state funding will result in roadways that safely accommodate all users and are comfortable for walking, bicycling, and transit use. Read more here.

Safe Passing

Safe Passing laws require at least three feet passing distance (six feet by commercial vehicle) when a motorist passes a vulnerable road user. It also addresses the "right hook" (turning dangerously in front of a vulnerable road user) and failing to yield when making a left turn at an intersection. A violation of this law would be punishable as a misdemeanor. Read more here.

Red Rear Light, HB 307

This bill requires that cyclists use a red rear lamp after dark (the current law allows for a light or a reflector), in addition to the white front light currently required by law. Read more here.

Ban on Texting while Driving, HB 63

Motorists who text while driving pose a high risk to bicyclists, pedestrians, and all other road users in addition to themselves. Read more here.

Other Legislative Initiatives

Other initiatives favorable to biking and walking may be introduced in the legislature and come to the attention of BikeTexas staff. Past examples are measures enabling use of power line easements in Harris County for hike and bike connector trails and defining electric bicycles in a manner to avoid licensing requirements.

Want to get involved? Go here to find out what you can do to make cycling and walking a priority for Texas in the 2013 Legislative Session.

On the Lege: Texting While Driving Ban

Motorists who text while driving pose a high risk to bicyclists, pedestrians, and all other road users in addition to themselves. The degree of this risk has become apparent through a series of fatal crashes in Texas. BikeTexas strongly supports a ban on texting while driving as an important part of a strong traffic safety culture in Texas.

In 2011, a bill banning texting while driving (HB 242) was passed by both the House and the Senate but was subsequently vetoed by Governor Rick Perry.

Previous bill author Representative Tom Craddick has re-filed this bill as HB 63 in the 2013 session to ban texting while driving.

A CNBC report on a Car and Driver magazine test of texting while driving found it to be just as dangerous as drinking and driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a website dedicated to facts about distracted driving, in an attempt to educate the public on the dangers and decrease the fatalities associated with distracted driving. Thirty-nine states ban texting while driving; BikeTexas and many others want Texas to be the next state to join that list.

On the Lege: Red Rear Light Requirement

The Red Rear Light bill requires a rear red light from 30 minutes before sunset until 30 minutes after sunrise. The current law requires a front white light and a rear red light or rear reflector.

Lights at night greatly increase visibility of cyclists to motorists. A BikeTexas review of 317 Texas DPS bicyclist fatality records for the period 2002-08 revealed that approximately 52% of bicycle fatalities occurred in low-light or dark conditions. BikeTexas supports the basic intent of this bill, but will work to modify some of the language to standardize the bill with the “nighttime” requirement for other vehicles as stated in the Texas Transportation Code.

As with the Complete Streets and Safe Passing bills, BikeTexas sees great value in the educational opportunities afforded by this bill. We will continue to work with legislators and public safety departments across Texas to make sure they understand the needs of cyclists in Texas. Basic bike lights have become more inexpensive over recent years and are even distributed through give-away programs.

This bill has been filed by San Antonio Representative Joe Farias as HB 307.

This article by Bicycling Magazine discusses the importance of lights for cyclists.

On the Lege: Safe Passing

The Safe Passing Bill will require at least three feet passing distance (six feet by commercial vehicle) when a motorist passes a vulnerable road user. It also addresses the "right hook" (turning dangerously in front of a vulnerable road user) and failing to yield when making a left turn at an intersection. A violation of this law would be punishable as a misdemeanor.

In 2009, the bill passed both houses but was vetoed after the end of the 2009 Legislative session by the Governor. BikeTexas staff believed the timing was not right for re-filing in 2011, but sees a more favorable environment for re-filing the bill in 2013.

BikeTexas is currently working with legislators to identify supporters and sponsors. This bill has not yet been filed in the 2013 Session.

BikeTexas is currently working with legislators who supported the bill in 2009. This bill has not yet been filed in the 2013 Session.

For more information on Safe Passing or Vulnerable Road User laws, see the BikeTexas Safe Passing page.