2001 Montana Legislature

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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 37

INTRODUCED BY J. PATTISON, GALLUS, CALLAHAN, CLANCY, KEANE, MCCANN, WAITSCHIES, MOOD

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A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DESIGNATE AN APPROPRIATE INTERIM COMMITTEE OR ASSIGN SUFFICIENT STAFF RESOURCES TO STUDY, IN THE CONTEXT OF PROVIDING FOR BICYCLE TRAFFIC SAFETY, THE PLANNING, DESIGN, AND CONSTRUCTION OF MONTANA HIGHWAYS AND ANY PROGRAMS OR REQUIREMENTS FOR DRIVER EDUCATION, TRAINING, OR LICENSING OR FOR CYCLIST SAFETY EQUIPMENT OR CLOTHING.



     WHEREAS, there is a growing trend in the use of bicycles as a primary mode of transportation; and

     WHEREAS, bicycles are increasingly a vehicle of choice for tourists, recreationists, and commuters; and

     WHEREAS, the presence of bicycles on highways and other high-volume thoroughfares presents certain challenges and dangers to cyclists and other highway users alike; and

     WHEREAS, the challenges and dangers may be reduced through enhanced cyclist responsibility, including certain highway use requirements that may include lights or mirrors or special safety equipment or clothing; and

     WHEREAS, the challenges and dangers to cyclists and other users of highways can be mitigated through thoughtful planning, design, and construction of highways; and

     WHEREAS, the challenges and dangers to all highway users may be further mitigated with new or additional driver education and training or through certain regulation of highway traffic or highway users.



NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

     That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to investigate:

     (1) the planning, design, and construction criteria and processes followed by the Department of Transportation in regard to accommodating bicycle traffic on Montana highways and other high-volume thoroughfares; and

     (2) the education and training programs and requirements specifically focused on bicycle and other traffic safety issues, if any, employed in:

     (a) elementary and secondary education, including driver education courses; and

     (b) the licensing of drivers.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the investigation include an examination of the potential cost of enhancing bicycle safety through:

     (1) improved planning, design, and construction or reconstruction of highways and other high-volume thoroughfares;

     (2) establishing or enhancing cyclist responsibility with respect to the use of safety equipment and clothing; and

     (3) enhanced education and training of highway users, including cyclists and other highway users.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2002.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, if any, be reported to the 58th Legislature.

- END -




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