Bike Questions on Driver’s License Exam
Passed, signed by the Governor. This bill (SB 2041) requires “an applicant for a driver’s license to demonstrate knowledge of motorists’ rights and responsibilities in relation to bicyclists.” The Department of Public Safety will have to add questions about bicyclists to the driver’s license exam, which will mean that this information must be taught in driver’s education classes.This will go a long way towards educating motorists in how to share the road.
Safe Routes to School
Passed, signed by the Governor. In 2003, funds from sales of the God Bless Texas and God Bless America license plates were dedicated to Safe Routes to School education and encouragement programs in Texas. Formerly managed by TxDOT, SB 161 routes that money to the Texas Education Agency. BikeTexas will apply for and likely be granted the funds for our Safe Routes to School Program. This will greatly increase our ability to reach Texas schoolchildren with the message of safety and healthy living.
Electric Bike Bill
Died after Conference Committee. This bill was originally HB 1687, and would have expanded the category of electric bikes that are considered to be bicycles, and thus not subject to license and registration requirements. The bill was passed in the House Transportation Committee, but unfortunately died in the Senate Transportation Committee.
Complete Streets
Died in Committee. The Complete Streets Bill, HB 2883, would have amended the Transportation Code to require counties, municipalities, TxDOT, and Metropolitan Planning organizations to accommodate bicycles, pedestrians and mass transit users in transportation planning, improvements, and street and highway construction. A similar bill is being considered in the U.S. Congress. Unfortunately HB 2883 did not make it out of the Transportation Committee, but we hope it will be reintroduced next Legislative session.