Policy

(Rep. Abbott)

“Bike Utah supports HB 449, which amends the pedestrian safety act to require municipalities and UDOT consider cyclist safety on all road projects where cyclist traffic is significant.

In 2023, 9 cyclists were killed and 40 were injured on Utah roads. Cyclists are regularly put into dangerous situations due to road design that prioritizes high-speed vehicle traffic over the lives of vulnerable Utahns. These unsafe road conditions prevent many Utahns, particularly families and children, from biking to school or work and enjoying the many benefits active transportation provides. This bill offers a more proactive and inclusive approach to road planning and engineering that ensures roads are designed for all users, not just vehicles.

Thank you to Representation Abbott, UDOT, WFRC, and the League of Cities and Towns for their collaboration and input on this important bill. This legislation will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, reduce fatalities, and support active transportation through the state. We encourage community members and policymakers to support HB 449.”

(Rep. Lesser, Sen Harper)

“Bike Utah supports HB 65, which will provide more coordination and resources to communities looking to enhance canal trails across the state.

Canal trails are some of the best active transportation routes we have. Compared to roads, canal trails are often much safer and more comfortable for cyclists and pedestrians, which attracts people who wouldn't otherwise walk or bike in their community. These trails also offer environmental benefits by preserving water and natural habitats, contributing to a more sustainable transportation network.

This legislation aligns with our mission to promote sustainable, active transportation options for people of all ages and abilities. We encourage community members and policymakers to support HB 65.”

(Rep. Ballard)

“Bike Utah supports HB 109, which will improve the Safe Routes to School planning process and enhance safety for Utah students who walk or ride to school.

As a nonprofit, we collaborate closely with schools to plan for safe routes, such as our most recent work with Hunter Elementary in West Valley. The effectiveness of this planning, however, is often limited due to a lack of coordination on physical infrastructure improvements. This legislation greatly enhances the planning process by requiring municipalities to evaluate school route plans and prioritize any actions they will take to improve safety on these routes.

This bill will improve safety and has the power to prevent injuries and fatalities. We encourage community members and policymakers to support HB 109.”

(Rep. Birkeland)

“Bike Utah supports HB 154, as amended, which removes an unnecessary requirement for cyclists to keep one or two hands on the handlebars at all times.

We thank Representative Birkeland for listening to our concerns with the initial language and working with us on an amendment.

Of course riding safely is important, but we also want to make sure this bill doesn't inadvertently contribute to victim blaming when cyclists are hit by drivers. Victim blaming is already a significant issue in our state where cyclists are regularly mistreated by drivers and held to a higher standard of safety.

With the amended language, this bill provides a clear and reasonable standard of safety for cyclists, while also allowing greater flexibility when riding. We encourage community members and policymakers to support HB 154.”

(Rep. Stenquist, Sen Winterton)

“Bike Utah supports HB 85, which clarifies the state definition of e-bikes to exclude certain e-motorcycles and requires manufacturers and sellers to label the class of e-bike before sale.

E-bikes are a transformative technology for active transportation. They significantly expand the reach and appeal of cycling, especially for those who face physical limitations or longer commute distances. This legislation supports e-bike ridership by empowering consumers with more information about the capabilities and permitted uses of different e-bike models. This bill also supports public agencies looking to build appropriation infrastructure and regulations for e-bike riders on certain paths and trails.

By supporting e-bikes, this bill will promote active transportation, reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and lead to healthier, more connective communities. We encourage community members and policymakers to support HB 85.”

(Rep. Spendlove)

“Bike Utah supports HB 345, which drastically increases fines for speeding in school zones and failure to obey school bus signals.

Although road design is by far the most effective way to improve road safety, traffic enforcement plays an important part in promoting compliance with traffic laws and reducing unsafe driving behaviors. By imposing stricter penalties, this legislation serves as a deterrent against illegal speeding and reckless driving, helping to create a safer environment particularly for students as they travel to and from school.

Road safety is fundamental for pedestrians and cyclists. Without high levels of safety, many people are resistant to walking and biking in their communities. This bill seeks to enhance road safety, which will protect vulnerable road users and encourage more active transportation near schools throughout the state. We encourage community members and policymakers to support HB 345.”

(Rep. Bennion)

This unnumbered bill would have implemented leading pedestrian invervals (aka pedestrian head start) at intersections with high pedestrian traffic throughout the state. This would give pedestrians a 5-10 second head start at crossings before the vehicle light turns green, and has been shown to significantly improve pedestrian safety.

Unfortunately, the bill did not receive stakeholder support.