BILL ANALYSIS



H.C.R. 78
By: Hirschi
04-11-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Each year approximately five million Texans participate in the
sport of bicycling, making this sport one of the most popular
outdoor recreational activities in the state.  Many Texans also
rely on bicycles for transportation to and from work or school;
helping to ensure cleaner air and lower road maintenance costs in
Texas.  

The Texas Department of Transportation has given greater visibility
and higher priority to bicycle travel through the designation of
statewide Bicycle Coordinators as part of the Texas Transportation
Plan, Partnership into the 21st Century, as well as in internal
directives requiring transportation planners to consider
accommodations for both bicycle and pedestrian traffic on all
projects, including those under construction, where reasonably
possible.  

The Texas Department of Public Safety recognizes that bicycle
safety is of vital interest to the state, particularly since more
than half of all bicycle crashes involve children, and has been
developing a statewide bicycle training program for children that
should reduce many of these accidents.

The National Bicycle and Walking Study reports that a 10-percent
increase in bicycle use would have immediate and significant
benefits for Texas towns and cities by reducing air pollution, road
maintenance costs, as well as, reducing transportation-related
deaths.  The study also recommends that actions be taken to further
reduce bicycle-related injuries by 10-percent.

PURPOSE

The resolution commends the Texas Department of Transportation and
the Texas Department of Safety for their success in promoting
bicycle use and preventing bicycle accidents.  The resolution also
urges these agencies to adopt the National Bicycle and Walking
Study's dual goal of increasing bicycle ridership by 10-percent and
decreasing bicycle injuries by 10-percent.  

Furthermore, the resolution recognizes the Executive Directors of
both agencies as an expression of the sentiment of the members of
the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer,
department, agency or institution.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

H.C.R. 78 was considered by the committee in a public hearing on
March 28, 1995.  The resolution was reported favorably, with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed, by a record vote of
5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 pnv, 3 absent.