81R9938 JTS-D

By: Martinez H.B. No. 2883

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the accommodation of bicycles, pedestrians, and mass transit riders on streets and highways.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter H, Chapter 201, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 201.624 to read as follows:

Sec. 201.624. ACCOMMODATION OF BICYCLISTS, PEDESTRIANS, AND MASS TRANSIT RIDERS. (a) In this section, "local authority" means a county, municipality, or other local entity authorized to plan, construct, and maintain streets and highways.

(b) The commission shall adopt provisions relating to the accommodation of bicycles, pedestrians, and mass transit riders in transportation planning.

(c) To implement this section, the department shall establish minimum guidelines to accommodate bicycles, pedestrians, and mass transit riders in all transportation planning, construction, reconstruction, street or highway improvements, and transportation facilities, including mass transit facilities. The guidelines must conform to the provisions for bicycle, pedestrian, and mass transit rider accommodation adopted under Subsection (b).

(d) To implement this section or a local ordinance, a local authority shall establish minimum guidelines to accommodate bicycles, pedestrians, and mass transit riders in all transportation planning, construction, reconstruction, street or highway improvements, and transportation facilities, including mass transit facilities. The guidelines must conform to the provisions for bicycle, pedestrian, and mass transit rider accommodation adopted under Subsection (b).

(e) A metropolitan planning organization shall establish minimum guidelines to accommodate bicycles, pedestrians, and mass transit riders in any transportation improvement plan. The guidelines must conform to the provisions for bicycle, pedestrian, and mass transit rider accommodation adopted under Subsection (b).

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.