Report Title:

Highways; Shared Lane Markings

Description:

Requires the department of transportation to incorporate shared lane markings as a new form of traffic control device.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1445
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to highways.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that several counties throughout the United States are experimenting with the use of shared lane markings.  "Shared lane markings" are pavement markings set in a roadway lane that indicate the legal and appropriate bicyclist line of travel, and cue motorists to pass with sufficient clearance.  Unlike bicycle lanes, they do not designate a particular part of the highway for bicyclists.  The purpose of these markings is to reduce the number and severity of bicycle-vehicular crashes, particularly crashes involving bicycles colliding with suddenly opened doors of parked vehicles.

     The legislature also finds that, pursuant to section 19‑128-5, Hawaii Administrative Rules, the department of transportation's use of roadway markings is guided by the most current edition of the federal Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.  The most current edition is the 2003 edition, which does not contain a reference to shared lane markings.  However, a new edition of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices is expected to be published later this year.  Draft versions released for inspection by the Federal Highway Administration indicate that the next edition will contain standards and guidance regarding the use of shared lane markings.

     Because of the potential benefit to highway safety, the legislature finds that public welfare would be best served by incorporating the use of shared lane markings on the roadways of the State immediately, rather than waiting for the publication of the next edition of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the department of transportation to incorporate shared lane markings as a new traffic control device.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 264, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§264-   Traffic control devices; shared lane markings.  Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the department of transportation shall incorporate shared lane markings where appropriate as a new form of traffic control device, as described in the 2007 Notice of Proposed Amendments for the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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