Help Bike-Friendly Bills Become Law
Six of the bike-friendly bills CalBike supported in this legislative session are on the governor’s desk. The final step to becoming law is his signature, but that’s far from certain. We need as many people as possible to email Governor Gavin Newsom and ask him to sign the Active Transportation Slate.
What is CalBike’s Active Transportation Slate?
Several of the bills we supported this year were deferred to 2024, but six essential measures were passed by the legislature. Governor Newsom has until October 14 to sign or veto these bills.
Active Transportation Slate:
- AB 825, Safe Passage for Bikes: This bill allows people to ride bikes on sidewalks of streets lacking safe bikeways. It protects bicyclists from potentially lethal collisions and protects BIPOC Californians from unnecessary police harassment. AB 825 contains provisions to ensure the safety of pedestrians.
- AB 413, Daylighting to Save Lives: Intersections are the most dangerous segment of our road network, especially for people walking and biking. AB 413 creates critical visibility for approaching vehicles by eliminating parking next to crosswalks.
- AB 645, Automated Speed Enforcement: Speed is a factor in at least 30% of fatal crashes, and the problem of speeding has only gotten worse since the pandemic. AB 645 pilots speed enforcement cameras in six cities that are eager to test this approach to slowing traffic on dangerous corridors.
- AB 819, Decriminalizing Transit Fare Evasion: No one who fails to pay a transit fare should face jail time, a penalty that isn’t in the code for much more serious automobile infractions. AB 819 allows transit agencies to fine riders but removes criminal penalties.
- AB 251, Deadly Oversized Cars: This bill convenes a task force to study the relationship between vehicle weight and injuries to pedestrians and cyclists and to study the costs and benefits of imposing a passenger vehicle weight fee. If California adds a weight fee, it could serve as a disincentive for manufacturers and consumers to make and purchase heavier SUVs and light trucks, making our roadways safer for everyone.
- SB 695, Caltrans Freeway Data: Transparency in Caltrans operations will help advocates better work with the agency to create safer state routes.
Please send an email to the governor today to show the strength of support for safer biking and walking in California.