79R2474 MTB-F

By:  Ellis                                                        S.B. No. 602



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the development of bicycle tourism trails in this 
state.        
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter K, Chapter 201, Transportation Code, 
is amended by adding Section 201.9025 to read as follows:
	Sec. 201.9025.  TEXAS BICYCLE TOURISM TRAILS.  (a)  If the 
department establishes a bicycle advisory committee, the committee 
shall advise and make recommendations to the commission on the 
development of bicycle tourism trails in this state. 
Recommendations on bicycle tourism trails developed under this 
section:
		(1)  shall be made in consultation with the Parks and 
Wildlife Commission and the Texas Economic Development and Tourism 
Office;
		(2)  shall reflect the geography, scenery, history, and 
cultural diversity of this state;
		(3)  shall maximize federal and private sources of 
funding for the designation, construction, improvement, 
maintenance, and signage of the trails and the promotion of bicycle 
tourism; and
		(4)  may include multiuse trails to accommodate 
equestrians, pedestrians, and other nonmotorized trail users when 
practicable.
	(b)  The department may contract with a statewide bicycle 
nonprofit organization for assistance in identifying, developing, 
promoting, or coordinating agreements and participation among 
political subdivisions of this state to advance bicycle tourism 
trails.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.