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THE SENATE |
S.R. NO. |
32 |
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TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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SENATE RESOLUTION
REQUESTING A STUDY TO RECOMMEND STATUTORY AMENDMENTS TO ADDRESS THE safe and proper operation OF BICYCLES, mopeds, two-seat mopeds, Segways, hybrid bicycles, and powerful mopeds.
WHEREAS, the rising cost of petroleum-derived fuels has caused people in Hawai‘i to seek alternative modes of transportation that are less dependent on petroleum-derived fuels; and
WHEREAS, traditional bicycles that are powered solely by human muscle power may not be an attractive transportation alternative, particularly for commuters who have relatively long distances to travel; and
WHEREAS, advancements in technology have made it possible to design and manufacture bicycles with electric motors and batteries to either supplement or to fully drive bicycles, making it possible for riders to cover longer distances, such as with hybrid bicycles that incorporate new technology and are very similar in size and weight to traditional bicycles; and
WHEREAS, the Segway and two-seat mopeds are also very popular and are regularly seen on roadways and streets; and
WHEREAS, mopeds are becoming increasingly powerful with some capable of reaching a speed of forty-five miles per hour; and
WHEREAS, chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, relating to the statewide traffic code defines "bicycle", "moped", "motor scooter", and "electric personal assistive mobility device" (Segway), but there is no statutory definition for hybrid bicycle, Segway, or two-seat moped, and existing definitions for bicycle, moped, and motor scooter are outdated; and
WHEREAS, the statutes are silent on the safe and permitted street use of two-seat mopeds, Segways, hybrid bicycles, and powerful mopeds; and
WHEREAS, the streets and roadways in the State vary considerably in width and congestion, two important factors in the safe operation of traditional bicycles, mopeds, two-seat mopeds, Segways, hybrid bicycles, and powerful mopeds; and
WHEREAS, a comprehensive study to be coordinated by the Department of Transportation and involving the transportation departments of each county, as well as interested stakeholders, is necessary to recommend changes to current laws in order to accommodate the safe and proper operation of bicycles, mopeds, two-seat mopeds, Segways, hybrid bicycles, and powerful mopeds; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation has recommended such a study in testimony before the Senate Committee on Transportation, International and Intergovernmental Affairs; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2010, that the Department of Transportation is requested to coordinate a study with the transportation department of each of the respective counties and with interested stakeholders to recommend changes to current laws in order to accommodate the safe and proper operation of bicycles, mopeds, two-seat mopeds, Segways, hybrid bicycles, and powerful mopeds; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation is requested to report to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to commencement of the Regular Session of 2011 with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Transportation, Director of Transportation Services of the City and County of Honolulu, and to the head of each department or agency for transportation of the counties of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai.
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OFFERED BY: |
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Hybrid Bicycle Study; Department of Transportation