The BTA weighed in on the following issues during the 2003 legislative session:

HB 2041- Oregon Transportation Investment Act III

Bill Summary: Provide $2.5 billion for bridges and roads

BTA Position: Supported with amendments

Status: Passed

BTA Activity and Comments: This was the single biggest BTA/bicycle victory of the session. The BTA worked behind the scenes to modify a provision that would have prohibited bike lanes or curb extensions on state highways if they affected freight capacity. We also drew attention to the fact that the Bicycle Bill applies to the new transportation package, resulting in $25 million for bicycle and pedestrian projects.

HB 3240- Traffic Safety Fines for Safety Education

Bill Summary: Add a $10 fee to vehicle convictions, to fund traffic safety programs

BTA Position: Supported

Status: Died in Committee Public Safety Subcommittee of Ways and Means

BTA Activity and Comments: This was the BTA’s proactive legislative proposal. We convened a coalition of other interests, the Oregon Transportation Safety Coalition. Our bill died in committee, but we worked with the City of Portland and other groups to support a similar bill passed that increases traffic violation fee revenue to cities and counties to support traffic safety programs.

HB 3303 - Parking in Bike Lanes

Bill Summary: Allow cars to park in bike lanes in front of schools

BTA Position: Opposed

Status: Died and not heard in committee due to BTA pressure

BTA Activity and Comments: The BTA strongly opposed this bill and successfully killed it in committee, with the help of members and other concerned cyclists. One legislator’s comment: “Okay, okay, I’ll oppose it. Now call off the bicyclists!”

HB 2768 - Rolling Stop for Bicyclists at Stop Signs

Bill Summary: Cyclists treat stop signs as yield signs. Right-of-way rules would remain.

BTA Position: Supported

Status: Passed House; died in Senate Rules Committee

BTA Activity and Comments: The BTA supported this bill for various reasons, including current cycling practices. We did, however, convince the sponsor to remove stoplights from the bill. Many cyclists supported this bill and others opposed it.

Bicycle Registration (HB 3135), and proposed fee on sale of new bikes (OTIA III)

Bill Summary: Required registration or sales fees on bicycles

BTA Position: Opposed HB 3135; neutral on sales fee concept pending clarification of logistics and use of funds.

Status: HB 3135 died in House Transportation Committee; sales tax idea was removed from OTIA.

BTA Activity and Comments: The BTA was concerned about these proposals but did not oppose them outright. Instead, we convened a bike dealers’ meeting to discuss concerns about registration or sales fees, and worked with bill sponsors to help them understand the  impacts to the bike industry.

Department of Health Services federal grants

Bill Summary: Grants would have awarded $5 million for obesity research and programs

BTA Position: Supported

Status: Federal grants went unclaimed due to legislative inaction.

BTA Activity and Comments: Federal grants awarded to Oregon were turned down by Ways and Means Committee chair Representative Randy Miller of Lake Oswego. BTA lobbied hard for the acceptance of these grants.

SB 179 - School Zones

Bill Summary: Clarify school zone definitions

BTA Position: Neutral pending changes

Status: Passed

BTA Activity and Comments: BTA provided comments on original bill draft because it watered down protections for children in school zones. The resulting law has provisions that may increase protections for children.

SB 787- Segway

Bill Summary: Define use of Segway on public right of way

BTA Position: Neutral pending changes

Status: Passed

BTA Activity & Comments: BTA supports use of Segways in bike lanes, because it could increase the demand and constituency for bike lanes.

HB 2043 - Pay as You Drive Insurance

Bill Summary: Allow insurance companies to charge based on miles driven.

BTA Position: Supported

Status: Passed

BTA Activity & Comments: Conceived by the Oregon Environmental Council, this bill allows insurance companies to create mileage-based policies, creating a tangible financial incentive to drive less. Find out more by visiting www.orcouncil.org.