Control Signal Bill Proposed in Washington

Now here’s some motorcycle-related legislation I can get behind.

A group of 25 legislators have proposed a bill in the Washington state legislature that would require all vehicle-activated control signals to accommodate bicycles and motorcycles. The requirement is retroactive, and all existing control signals would be required to be upgraded to meet the requirements of the bill within four years.

Here’s the digest version:

(1) It is the policy of the state of Washington to provide for the safe and efficient use of public roads and highways by all types of vehicles that are authorized to use these roads and highways;
(2) Many existing vehicle-activated traffic control signals are operated or installed in a manner that does not allow for the routine and reliable detection of motorcycles and bicycles necessary for signal change; and
(3) It is the policy of the legislature that this problem be avoided in all new and substantially upgraded vehicle-activated traffic control signals and that existing vehicle-activated traffic control signals be operated to detect motorcycles and bicycles where currently capable consistent with safe traffic control.
Regulates the adjusting, replacing, and updating of vehicle-activated traffic control signals to ensure detection of motorcycles and bicycles.

You can read all about it here: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1403

I can see the crazy bicycle people lobbying for something like this, but I’m kinda touched someone thought of the motorcyclists. Sniff, sniff!

Now, how about getting a bill like this passed in Oregon?

Tagged as: Motorcycling