Home California Governor Signs DeSaulnier Local Bike Infrastructure Bil

Governor Signs DeSaulnier Local Bike Infrastructure Bil

by ECT

Mark DeSaulnier

This past weekend, Governor Brown signed a measure by Senator Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) to allow communities to fund local bike paths and trails. Senate Bill 1183 opens up a stable funding avenue for local communities to choose to invest in their own active transportation projects.

“SB 1183 will help local communities improve bikeways and trail networks in an effort to alleviate congestion,” Senator DeSaulnier said. “Offering more low-emission options for commuters should be a major transportation goal for our state. Upgrading bike infrastructure will help public safety, the environment, and the quality of life in cities across California.”

A Portland State University study of 35 metropolitan areas in the United States found that for every mile of bike lane per square mile in a city, an additional one percent of the commuting workforce traveled by bike. In addition, studies have shown that for every 1 percent mode shift away from cars to bicycles, there is a 5 percent reduction in congestion.

SB 1183 authorizes a city, county or regional park district to ask the voters to approve a motor vehicle registration surcharge of up to five dollars. This surcharge would require 2/3 local voter approval. Local agencies would be required to use these revenues for improvements to paved and natural surface trails, including existing and new bikeways and trail networks, and for associated maintenance purposes. Administrative costs are capped at 5% of revenues.

SB 1183 gives communities a new choice and mechanism for supporting local bike infrastructure. Investing in bicycle infrastructure and promoting cycling draws new money to local economies by attracting, residents, visitors, and businesses.

The East Bay Regional Park District sponsored SB 1183.

Website of Senator Mark DeSaulnier: http://sd07.senate.ca.gov/

 

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