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S.F. No. 2409 - Bikeways Establishment and Use Provisions
 
Author: Senator Kari Dziedzic
 
Prepared By: Krista Boyd, Senate Fiscal Analyst (651/296-7681)
 
Date: April 1, 2016



 

Section 1 makes conforming changes in the section regarding the bicycle trail program in the chapter on division of parks and recreation, to correspond to other changes made in this bill in chapter 160.

Section 2 defines “bikeway” in chapter 160 as a bicycle lane, bicycle path, shared use path, bicycle route, or similar bicycle facility, whether the facility was designed for exclusive bicycle use or for use with other modes of transportation. The previous definition of “bikeway” in this chapter was cross-referenced with the definition in chapter 169, and did not include the terms “shared use path” or “similar bicycle facility.”

Section 3 deletes the previous definition of “bikeway” from chapter 160.

Section 4 defines “shared use path” as a bicycle facility that is physically separated from motorized traffic, is located within the highway right-of-way or an independent right-of-way, and is available for users of other nonmotorized transportation modes.

Section 5, paragraph (a) removes the requirement of the Commissioner of Transportation to establish model standards for the establishment of recreational vehicle lanes on public highways.  The commissioner is authorized to plan, design, establish, and maintain bikeways on the right-of-way of any trunk highway; is responsible for design and construction of bikeway projects on trunk highways; and must consider bikeway development during a trunk highway project. 

Paragraph (b) requires the commissioner to maintain bikeway design guidelines consistent with the state transportation goals as defined in law.

Paragraph (c) requires the commissioner to compile and maintain a map of bikeways and publish it at least every two years.  Under current law, the commissioner is required to maintain a registry of bikeways in section 160.265, subdivision 1, which is proposed for repeal in section 15 of the bill.

Paragraph (d) requires the commissioner to maintain bikeways within the limits of trunk highway right-of-way unless an agreement provides otherwise.

Section 6 removes a reference to the model standards proposed for repeal in section 15 of the bill, and authorizes the existing advisory committee on nonmotorized transportation, rather than named state agencies, to provide information and advice to the commissioner on bikeway design guidelines. This section also authorizes the commissioner to cooperate and enter into agreements with tribal governments regarding bikeways along public highways.

Section 7 replaces the terms “bicycle paths” and “bicycle trails” with the term “bikeways” in the statute regarding design-build bridges for nonmotorized vehicles.

Section 8 defines the term “state bicycle route” as a linear series of one or more roads and bikeways designated for bicycle travel, whether for exclusive bicycle use or for use with other modes of transportation. This replaces the term “state bikeway” as used in section 160.265, proposed for repeal in section 15 of this bill.

Section 9 adds provisions from section 160.265, which is proposed for repeal in section 15 of this bill, to section 160.266.  It requires the commissioner to identify state bicycle routes on existing road right-of-way and trails, in cooperation with road and trail authorities and with advice of the advisory committee on nonmotorized transportation.

Section 10 makes conforming and technical changes to the subdivision on the creation of the Mississippi River Trail.

Section 11 makes conforming changes to the subdivision on connection of the Mississippi River Trail with other bikeways.

Section 12 adds “tribal governments” to the list of entities with which the Commissioner of Transportation may contract and enter into agreements regarding state bicycle routes.

Section 13 amends the section on certain funding eligibility to include the new terms “shared use paths” and “state bicycle routes.”

Section 14 makes a conforming change in the section of statutes regarding location and design of trunk highways.

Section 15, paragraph (a) repeals Minnesota Statutes 160.262, subdivision 2 [model standards for recreational vehicle lanes]; 160.265, subdivisions 1 and 2 [state bikeway program]; and 160.266, subdivision 1 [definitions].

Paragraph (b) repeals Minnesota Rules, parts 8810.6000 through 8810.7000 [Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Recreational Vehicle Use; and Bicycle and Recreational Vehicle Lanes], and parts 8810.9910 through 8810.9913 [Exhibits, Figures and Tables regarding bike lanes and bike paths].

 
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