baltimorespokes

One Less Car will be supporting three bills (at least) in the Maryland General Assembly this year. The following is a quick summary of each bill, a link to the text of the bill, and the date when the bill will be heard in committee. If you are interested in writing letters to your representative or testifying in person to support these bills, please contact Richard Chambers at 410-235-3678 or by email rchambers@onelesscar.org

HB 143 – Bicycle Safety

* Requires that a driver of a motor vehicle, when overtaking a bicycle, not pass at a length of less than 3 feet, and that the driver of a motor vehicle yield the right-of-way to a person who is riding a bicycle in a designated bicycle lane. This bill creates a legal "safe-zone" for bicyclists and gives them an extra added measure of safety on the road.
* First Hearing – House Environmental Matters – Tuesday, Feb. 5th at 1PM
* Read the bill https://mlis.state.md.us/2008RS/bills/hb/hb0143f.pdf

SB 204 – Makes transit-oriented development a State transportation priority

* Ensures that commercial and residential development adjacent to transit stations is a statewide "transportation priority" and expands MTA’s ability to coordinate and further these projects. More transit oriented development means less sprawl and more options for Marylanders who don’t want to travel everywhere in their car.
* First hearing – Senate Finance Committee – Wednesday, Feb. 6th at 1PM –
* Read the bill https://mlis.state.md.us/2008RS/bills/sb/sb0204f.pdf
* This is cross-filed in the House under HB 373
* Read the Baltimore Sun editorial in support of this bill. https://xml.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bal-ed.transit31jan31,0,3701372.story

SB 492 – Bicycle and Pedestrian access on MdTA toll facilities

* Removes the state’s current total prohibition on bicyclists and pedestrians on Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) bridges and tunnels and gives the MdTA the option of allowing access. This means future and current bridges and tunnels may be fitted with bike/ped facilities.
* First Hearing in the Senate – Not scheduled yet
* Read the bill https://mlis.state.md.us/2008RS/billfile/sb0492.htm

At the Symposium you get to meet and share information with advocates, planners, state and local officials, and community leaders who want more bike lanes, wider sidewalks, better trails and a statewide COMPLETE STREETS policy. Best of all, you will have the opportunity to tell your local representatives your story of why better and safer bicycle and pedestrian access is important where you live.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Date Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Time 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Symposium

Location President’s Conference Center ,
Miller Senate Office Building in Annapolis .
11 Bladen St.
Annapolis, MD 21401

8:30 AM Registration
9:00 AM John Porcari, Maryland Secretary of Transportation
9:30 AM Stephanie Yanovitz, Acting Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, SHA
10:00 AM Update State Bike Master Plan, Michael Jackson Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, MDOT
10:30 AM Visit your legislators office
11:00 AM Panel Discussion Bicycle Performance Measures (Bob Patten, Toole Design, Dave Whittaker, Maryland Dept. of Planning & Barry Childress, Baltimore Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee)
Noon 2008 One Less Car Excellence in Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Awards Ceremony and Pizza Lunch (Del. Jon Cardin will present)
1:00 PM Update on Baltimore City Bicycle Master Plan, Jessica Keller-Watson, BDOT
1:30 PM "Ciclovia in Bogota" video and presentation, Greg Cantori, The Knott Foundation
2:00 PM A Short History of the Bicycle in Maryland, Randy Mardres, Montgomery County Bicycle Action Group
2:30 PM Talk to your legislators