AB 3124: Vehicles: length limitations: buses: bicycle transportation devices.
- Session Year: 2017-2018
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2018-06-01
Existing law imposes a 40-foot limitation on the length of vehicles that may be operated on the highways, with specified exemptions. Existing law exempts from this limitation an articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that does not exceed a length of 60 feet, and authorizes the bus or trolley to be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus or trolley if the device is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. Existing law prohibits the above-described device from extending more than 36 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed, and prohibits a bicycle that is transported on that device from having the bicycle handlebars extend more than 42 inches from the front of the bus.
This bill would additionally authorize an articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that does not exceed a length of 60 feet to be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus or trolley if the device is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles as long as the device does not extend more than 40 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed. The bill would require a public agency operating transit services to establish a route review committee, as specified, in order to operate that articulated bus or articulated trolley coach, and would require the committee, by a majority vote, to make a determination of which routes are suitable for the safe operation of that articulated bus or articulated trolley coach. The bill would also make technical, nonsubstantive changes and a conforming change in a related provision.
Existing law imposes a 40-foot limitation on the length of vehicles that may be operated on the highways, with specified exemptions. Existing law exempts from this limitation an articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that does not exceed a length of 60 feet, and authorizes the bus or trolley to be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus or trolley if the device is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. Existing law prohibits the above-described device from extending more than 36 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed, and prohibits a bicycle that is transported on that device from having the bicycle handlebars extend more than 42 inches from the front of the bus.
This bill would additionally authorize an articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that does not exceed a length of 60 feet to be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus or trolley if the device is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles as long as the device does not extend more than 40 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed. The bill would require a public agency operating transit services to establish a route review committee, as specified, in order to operate that articulated bus or articulated trolley coach, and would require the committee, by a majority vote, to make a determination of which routes are suitable for the safe operation of that articulated bus or articulated trolley coach. The bill would also make technical, nonsubstantive changes and a conforming change in a related provision.
Existing law imposes a 40-foot limitation on the length of vehicles that may be operated on the highways, with specified exemptions. Existing law exempts from this limitation an articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that does not exceed a length of 60 feet, and authorizes the bus or trolley to be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus or trolley if the device is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. Existing law prohibits the above-described device from extending more than 36 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed, and prohibits a bicycle that is transported on that device from having the bicycle handlebars extend more than 42 inches from the front of the bus.
This bill would increase the lengths described in the exemption above from 36 to 40 inches, and from 42 to 46 inches. additionally authorize an articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that does not exceed a length of 60 feet to be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus or trolley if the device is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles as long as the device does not extend more than 40 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed. The bill would require a public agency operating transit services to establish a route review committee, as specified, in order to operate that articulated bus or articulated trolley coach, and would require the committee, by a majority vote, to make a determination of which routes are suitable for the safe operation of that articulated bus or articulated trolley coach. The bill would also make technical, nonsubstantive changes and a conforming change in a related provision.
Existing law imposes a 40-foot limitation on the length of vehicles that may be operated on the highways, with specified exemptions. Existing law exempts from this limitation an articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that does not exceed a length of 60 feet, and authorizes the bus or trolley to be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus or trolley if the device is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. Existing law prohibits the above-described device from extending more than 36 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed, and prohibits a bicycle that is transported on that device from having the bicycle handlebars extend more than 42 inches from the front of the bus.
This bill would increase the lengths described in the exemption above from 36 to 40 inches, and from 42 to 46 inches. The bill would also make a conforming change in a related provision.
(a)A vehicle may not exceed a length of 40 feet.
(b)This section does not apply to any of the following:
(1)A vehicle used in a combination of vehicles when the excess length is caused by auxiliary parts, equipment, or machinery not used as space to carry any part of the load, except that the combination of vehicles shall not exceed the length provided for combination vehicles.
(2)A vehicle, when the excess length is caused by any parts necessary to comply with the fender and mudguard regulations of this code.
(3)(A)An articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that does not exceed a length of 60 feet.
(B)An articulated bus or articulated trolley coach described in subparagraph (A) may be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus or trolley if the device is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. The device, including any bicycles transported thereon, shall be mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment, and shall not extend more than 36 inches from the front body of the bus or trolley coach when fully deployed. The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this subparagraph shall not extend more than 42 inches from the front of the bus.
(C)(i)An articulated bus or articulated trolley coach described in subparagraph (A) may be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus or trolley if the device is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. The device, including any bicycles transported thereon, shall be mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment, and shall not extend more than 40 inches from the front body of the bus or trolley coach when fully deployed. The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this subparagraph shall not extend more than 46 inches from the front of the bus.
(ii)In order for a public agency operating transit services to operate an articulated bus or articulated trolley coach equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack, as described in and pursuant to clause (i), the public agency shall establish a route review committee comprised of four members as follows:
(I)One member of the public agency who is appointed by the general manager of the public agency.
(II)One member who is a traffic engineer and is employed and appointed by the public agency that has jurisdiction over the largest proportional share of routes among all affected agencies.
(III)One member appointed by the labor organization that is the exclusive representative of the bus drivers of the public agency.
(IV)One member of the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the largest proportional share of routes among all affected agencies.
(iii)The committee members shall be appointed not more than 30 days after receipt of a public agency proposal to equip a 60-foot articulated bus or articulated trolley coach with a front-mounted bicycle rack, as described in clause (i).
(iv)The purpose of the committee is to ensure the safe operation of a 60-foot articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack, as described in clause (i). The committee, by a majority vote, shall make a determination of which routes are suitable for the safe operation of a 60-foot articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack, as described in clause (i). The committee may include a field review of the proposed routes.
(4)A semitrailer while being towed by a motortruck or truck tractor, if the distance from the kingpin to the rearmost axle of the semitrailer does not exceed 40 feet for semitrailers having two or more axles, or 38 feet for semitrailers having one axle if the semitrailer does not, exclusive of attachments, extend forward of the rear of the cab of the motortruck or truck tractor.
(5)A bus or house car when the excess length is caused by the projection of a front safety bumper or a rear safety bumper, or both. The safety bumper shall not cause the length of the vehicle to exceed the maximum legal limit by more than one foot in the front and one foot in the rear. For the purposes of this chapter, safety bumper means any device that is fitted on an existing bumper or which replaces the bumper and is constructed, treated, or manufactured to absorb energy upon impact.
(6)A schoolbus, when the excess length is caused by the projection of a crossing control arm. For the purposes of this chapter, crossing control arm means an extendable and retractable device fitted to the front of a schoolbus that is designed to impede movement of pupils exiting the schoolbus directly in front of the schoolbus so that pupils are visible to the driver while they are moving in front of the schoolbus. An operator of a schoolbus shall not extend a crossing control arm while the schoolbus is in motion. Except when activated, a crossing control arm shall not cause the maximum length of the schoolbus to be extended by more than 10 inches, inclusive of any front safety bumper. Use of a crossing control arm by the operator of a schoolbus does not, in and of itself, fulfill his or her responsibility to ensure the safety of students crossing a highway or private road pursuant to Section 22112.
(7)A bus, when the excess length is caused by a device, located in front of the front axle, for lifting wheelchairs into the bus. That device shall not cause the length of the bus to be extended by more than 18 inches, inclusive of any front safety bumper.
(8)A bus, when the excess length is caused by a device attached to the rear of the bus designed and used exclusively for the transporting of bicycles. This device may be up to 10 feet in length, if the device, along with any other device permitted pursuant to this section, does not cause the total length of the bus, including any device or load, to exceed 50 feet.
(9)A bus operated by a public agency or a passenger stage corporation, as defined in Section 226 of the Public Utilities Code, used in transit system service, other than a schoolbus, when the excess length is caused by a folding device attached to the front of the bus which is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. The device, including any bicycles transported thereon, shall be mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment, and shall not extend more than 40 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed. The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this paragraph shall not extend more than 46 inches from the front of the bus. A device described in this paragraph may not be used on a bus that, exclusive of the device, exceeds 40 feet in length, or 60 feet in length pursuant to paragraph (3), or on a bus having a device attached to the rear of the bus pursuant to paragraph (8).
(10)(A)A bus of a length of up to 45 feet when operating on those highways specified in subdivision (a) of Section 35401.5. The Department of Transportation or local authorities, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions, may not deny reasonable access to a bus of a length of up to 45 feet between the highways specified in subdivision (a) of Section 35401.5 and points of loading and unloading for motor carriers of passengers as required by the federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-240).
(B)(i)A bus operated by a public agency and on those highways specified in subparagraph (A) may be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus that is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. The device, including all bicycles transported thereon, may be mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment, and may not extend more than 36 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed. The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this subparagraph may not extend more than 42 inches from the front of the bus. The total length of the bus, including the folding device or load, may not exceed 48.5 feet.
(ii)A route review committee, established under this subparagraph, shall review the routes where a public agency proposes to operate a 45-foot bus equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack. The committee shall be comprised of three members as follows:
(I)One member from the public agency appointed by the general manager of the public agency.
(II)One member who is a traffic engineer and is employed and selected by the public agency that has jurisdiction over the largest proportional share of routes among all affected agencies.
(III)One member appointed by the labor organization that is the exclusive representative of the bus drivers of the public agency. If there is no exclusive representative of the bus drivers, a bus driver member shall be chosen by a majority vote of the bus drivers employed by the agency.
(iii)The members of the committee shall be selected not more than 30 days after receipt of a public agency proposal to equip a 45-foot bus with a front-mounted bicycle rack.
(iv)The review shall include a field review of the proposed routes. The purpose of the committee is to ensure the safe operation of a 45-foot bus that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack. The committee by a unanimous vote, shall make a determination of which routes are suitable for the safe operation of a 45-foot bus that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack. These determinations shall be consistent with the operating requirements specified in subparagraph (A). It is the intent of the Legislature that the field review required under this subparagraph include consultation with traffic engineers from affected public agencies that have jurisdiction over segments of the route or routes under review, to ensure coordination with all affected state and local public road agencies that may potentially be impacted due to the operation of a 45-foot bus with a front-mounted bicycle rack.
(11)(A)A house car of a length of up to 45 feet when operating on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways or when using those portions of federal aid primary system highways that have been qualified by the United States Secretary of Transportation for that use, or when using routes appropriately identified by the Department of Transportation or local authorities, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions.
(B)A house car described in subparagraph (A) may be operated on a highway that provides reasonable access to facilities for purposes limited to fuel, food, and lodging when that access is consistent with the safe operation of the vehicle and when the facility is within one road mile of identified points of ingress and egress to or from highways specified in subparagraph (A) for use by that vehicle.
(C)As used in this paragraph and paragraph (10), reasonable access means access substantially similar to that authorized for combinations of vehicles pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 35401.5.
(D)Any access route established by a local authority pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 35401.5 is open for access by a house car of a length of up to 45 feet. In addition, local authorities may establish a process whereby access to services by house cars of a length of up to 45 feet may be applied for upon a route not previously established as an access route. The denial of a request for access to services shall be only on the basis of safety and an engineering analysis of the proposed access route. In lieu of processing an access application, local authorities, with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, may provide signing, mapping, or a listing of highways, as necessary, to indicate the use of these specific routes by a house car of a length of up to 45 feet.
(c)The Legislature, by increasing the maximum permissible kingpin to rearmost axle distance to 40 feet effective January 1, 1987, as provided in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b), does not intend this action to be considered a precedent for any future increases in truck size and length limitations.
(d)Any transit bus equipped with a folding device installed on or after January 1, 1999, that is permitted under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) or under paragraph (9) of subdivision (b) shall be additionally equipped with any of the following:
(1)An indicator light that is visible to the driver and is activated whenever the folding device is in an extended position.
(2)Any other device or mechanism that provides notice to the driver that the folding device is in an extended position.
(3)A mechanism that causes the folding device to retract automatically from an extended position.
(e)(1)A person may not improperly or unsafely mount a bicycle on a device described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), or in paragraph (9) or (10) of subdivision (b).
(2)Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of Section 23114, or subdivision (a) of Section 24002, or any other law, when a bicycle is improperly or unsafely loaded by a passenger onto a transit bus, the passenger, and not the driver, is liable for any violation of this code that is attributable to the improper or unlawful loading of the bicycle.
(a)A vehicle may not exceed a length of 40 feet.
(b)This section does not apply to any of the following:
(1)A vehicle used in a combination of vehicles when the excess length is caused by auxiliary parts, equipment, or machinery not used as space to carry any part of the load, except that the combination of vehicles shall not exceed the length provided for combination vehicles.
(2)A vehicle, when the excess length is caused by any parts necessary to comply with the fender and mudguard regulations of this code.
(3)(A)An articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that does not exceed a length of 60 feet.
(B)An articulated bus or articulated trolley coach described in subparagraph (A) may be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus or trolley if the device is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. The device, including any bicycles transported thereon, shall be mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment, and shall not extend more than 36 inches from the front body of the bus or trolley coach when fully deployed. The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this subparagraph shall not extend more than 42 inches from the front of the bus.
(C)(i)An articulated bus or articulated trolley coach described in subparagraph (A) may be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus or trolley if the device is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. The device, including any bicycles transported thereon, shall be mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment, and shall not extend more than 40 inches from the front body of the bus or trolley coach when fully deployed. The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this subparagraph shall not extend more than 46 inches from the front of the bus.
(ii)In order for a public agency operating transit services to operate an articulated bus or articulated trolley coach equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack, as described in and pursuant to clause (i), the public agency shall establish a route review committee comprised of four members as follows:
(I)One member of the public agency who is appointed by the general manager of the public agency.
(II)One member who is a traffic engineer and is employed and appointed by the public agency that has jurisdiction over the largest proportional share of routes among all affected agencies.
(III)One member appointed by the labor organization that is the exclusive representative of the bus drivers of the public agency.
(IV)One member of the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the largest proportional share of routes among all affected agencies.
(iii)The committee members shall be appointed not more than 30 days after receipt of a public agency proposal to equip a 60-foot articulated bus or articulated trolley coach with a front-mounted bicycle rack, as described in clause (i).
(iv)The purpose of the committee is to ensure the safe operation of a 60-foot articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack, as described in clause (i). The committee, by a majority vote, shall make a determination of which routes are suitable for the safe operation of a 60-foot articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack, as described in clause (i). The committee may include a field review of the proposed routes.
(4)A semitrailer while being towed by a motortruck or truck tractor, if the distance from the kingpin to the rearmost axle of the semitrailer does not exceed 40 feet for semitrailers having two or more axles, or 38 feet for semitrailers having one axle if the semitrailer does not, exclusive of attachments, extend forward of the rear of the cab of the motortruck or truck tractor.
(5)A bus or house car when the excess length is caused by the projection of a front safety bumper or a rear safety bumper, or both. The safety bumper shall not cause the length of the vehicle to exceed the maximum legal limit by more than one foot in the front and one foot in the rear. For the purposes of this chapter, safety bumper means any device that is fitted on an existing bumper or which replaces the bumper and is constructed, treated, or manufactured to absorb energy upon impact.
(6)A schoolbus, when the excess length is caused by the projection of a crossing control arm. For the purposes of this chapter, crossing control arm means an extendable and retractable device fitted to the front of a schoolbus that is designed to impede movement of pupils exiting the schoolbus directly in front of the schoolbus so that pupils are visible to the driver while they are moving in front of the schoolbus. An operator of a schoolbus shall not extend a crossing control arm while the schoolbus is in motion. Except when activated, a crossing control arm shall not cause the maximum length of the schoolbus to be extended by more than 10 inches, inclusive of any front safety bumper. Use of a crossing control arm by the operator of a schoolbus does not, in and of itself, fulfill his or her responsibility to ensure the safety of students crossing a highway or private road pursuant to Section 22112.
(7)A bus, when the excess length is caused by a device, located in front of the front axle, for lifting wheelchairs into the bus. That device shall not cause the length of the bus to be extended by more than 18 inches, inclusive of any front safety bumper.
(8)A bus, when the excess length is caused by a device attached to the rear of the bus designed and used exclusively for the transporting of bicycles. This device may be up to 10 feet in length, if the device, along with any other device permitted pursuant to this section, does not cause the total length of the bus, including any device or load, to exceed 50 feet.
(9)A bus operated by a public agency or a passenger stage corporation, as defined in Section 226 of the Public Utilities Code, used in transit system service, other than a schoolbus, when the excess length is caused by a folding device attached to the front of the bus which is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. The device, including any bicycles transported thereon, shall be mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment, and shall not extend more than 40 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed. The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this paragraph shall not extend more than 46 inches from the front of the bus. A device described in this paragraph may not be used on a bus that, exclusive of the device, exceeds 40 feet in length, or 60 feet in length pursuant to paragraph (3), or on a bus having a device attached to the rear of the bus pursuant to paragraph (8).
(10)(A)A bus of a length of up to 45 feet when operating on those highways specified in subdivision (a) of Section 35401.5. The Department of Transportation or local authorities, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions, may not deny reasonable access to a bus of a length of up to 45 feet between the highways specified in subdivision (a) of Section 35401.5 and points of loading and unloading for motor carriers of passengers as required by the federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-240).
(B)(i)A bus operated by a public agency and on those highways specified in subparagraph (A) may be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus that is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. The device, including all bicycles transported thereon, may be mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment, and may not extend more than 36 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed. The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this subparagraph may not extend more than 42 inches from the front of the bus. The total length of the bus, including the folding device or load, may not exceed 48.5 feet.
(ii)A route review committee, established under this subparagraph, shall review the routes where a public agency proposes to operate a 45-foot bus equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack. The committee shall be comprised of three members as follows:
(I)One member from the public agency appointed by the general manager of the public agency.
(II)One member who is a traffic engineer and is employed and selected by the public agency that has jurisdiction over the largest proportional share of routes among all affected agencies.
(III)One member appointed by the labor organization that is the exclusive representative of the bus drivers of the public agency. If there is no exclusive representative of the bus drivers, a bus driver member shall be chosen by a majority vote of the bus drivers employed by the agency.
(iii)The members of the committee shall be selected not more than 30 days after receipt of a public agency proposal to equip a 45-foot bus with a front-mounted bicycle rack.
(iv)The review shall include a field review of the proposed routes. The purpose of the committee is to ensure the safe operation of a 45-foot bus that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack. The committee by a unanimous vote, shall make a determination of which routes are suitable for the safe operation of a 45-foot bus that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack. These determinations shall be consistent with the operating requirements specified in subparagraph (A). It is the intent of the Legislature that the field review required under this subparagraph include consultation with traffic engineers from affected public agencies that have jurisdiction over segments of the route or routes under review, to ensure coordination with all affected state and local public road agencies that may potentially be impacted due to the operation of a 45-foot bus with a front-mounted bicycle rack.
(11)(A)A house car of a length of up to 45 feet when operating on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways or when using those portions of federal aid primary system highways that have been qualified by the United States Secretary of Transportation for that use, or when using routes appropriately identified by the Department of Transportation or local authorities, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions.
(B)A house car described in subparagraph (A) may be operated on a highway that provides reasonable access to facilities for purposes limited to fuel, food, and lodging when that access is consistent with the safe operation of the vehicle and when the facility is within one road mile of identified points of ingress and egress to or from highways specified in subparagraph (A) for use by that vehicle.
(C)As used in this paragraph and paragraph (10), reasonable access means access substantially similar to that authorized for combinations of vehicles pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 35401.5.
(D)Any access route established by a local authority pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 35401.5 is open for access by a house car of a length of up to 45 feet. In addition, local authorities may establish a process whereby access to services by house cars of a length of up to 45 feet may be applied for upon a route not previously established as an access route. The denial of a request for access to services shall be only on the basis of safety and an engineering analysis of the proposed access route. In lieu of processing an access application, local authorities, with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, may provide signing, mapping, or a listing of highways, as necessary, to indicate the use of these specific routes by a house car of a length of up to 45 feet.
(c)The Legislature, by increasing the maximum permissible kingpin to rearmost axle distance to 40 feet effective January 1, 1987, as provided in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b), does not intend this action to be considered a precedent for any future increases in truck size and length limitations.
(d)Any transit bus equipped with a folding device installed on or after January 1, 1999, that is permitted under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) or under paragraph (9) of subdivision (b) shall be additionally equipped with any of the following:
(1)An indicator light that is visible to the driver and is activated whenever the folding device is in an extended position.
(2)Any other device or mechanism that provides notice to the driver that the folding device is in an extended position.
(3)A mechanism that causes the folding device to retract automatically from an extended position.
(e)(1)A person may not improperly or unsafely mount a bicycle on a device described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), or in paragraph (9) or (10) of subdivision (b).
(2)Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of Section 23114, or subdivision (a) of Section 24002, or any other law, when a bicycle is improperly or unsafely loaded by a passenger onto a transit bus, the passenger, and not the driver, is liable for any violation of this code that is attributable to the improper or unlawful loading of the bicycle.
(a)A vehicle may not exceed a length of 40 feet.
(b)This section does not apply to any of the following:
(1)A vehicle used in a combination of vehicles when the excess length is caused by auxiliary parts, equipment, or machinery not used as space to carry any part of the load, except that the combination of vehicles shall not exceed the length provided for combination vehicles.
(2)A vehicle, when the excess length is caused by any parts necessary to comply with the fender and mudguard regulations of this code.
(3)(A)An articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that does not exceed a length of 60 feet.
(B)An articulated bus or articulated trolley coach described in subparagraph (A) may be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus or trolley if the device is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. The device, including any bicycles transported thereon, shall be mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment, and shall not extend more than 40 36 inches from the front body of the bus or trolley coach when fully deployed. The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this subparagraph shall not extend more than 46 42 inches from the front of the bus.
(C)(i)An articulated bus or articulated trolley coach described in subparagraph (A) may be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus or trolley if the device is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. The device, including any bicycles transported thereon, shall be mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment, and shall not extend more than 40 inches from the front body of the bus or trolley coach when fully deployed. The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this subparagraph shall not extend more than 46 inches from the front of the bus.
(ii)In order for a public agency operating transit services to operate an articulated bus or articulated trolley coach equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack, as described in and pursuant to clause (i), the public agency shall establish a route review committee comprised of four members as follows:
(I)One member of the public agency who is appointed by the general manager of the public agency.
(II)One member who is a traffic engineer and is employed and appointed by the public agency that has jurisdiction over the largest proportional share of routes among all affected agencies.
(III)One member appointed by the labor organization that is the exclusive representative of the bus drivers of the public agency.
(IV)One member of the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the largest proportional share of routes among all affected agencies.
(iii)The committee members shall be appointed not more than 30 days after receipt of a public agency proposal to equip a 60-foot articulated bus or articulated trolley coach with a front-mounted bicycle rack, as described in clause (i).
(iv)The purpose of the committee is to ensure the safe operation of a 60-foot articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack, as described in clause (i). The committee, by a majority vote, shall make a determination of which routes are suitable for the safe operation of a 60-foot articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack, as described in clause (i). The committee may include a field review of the proposed routes.
(4)A semitrailer while being towed by a motortruck or truck tractor, if the distance from the kingpin to the rearmost axle of the semitrailer does not exceed 40 feet for semitrailers having two or more axles, or 38 feet for semitrailers having one axle if the semitrailer does not, exclusive of attachments, extend forward of the rear of the cab of the motortruck or truck tractor.
(5)A bus or house car when the excess length is caused by the projection of a front safety bumper or a rear safety bumper, or both. The safety bumper shall not cause the length of the vehicle to exceed the maximum legal limit by more than one foot in the front and one foot in the rear. For the purposes of this chapter, safety bumper means any device that is fitted on an existing bumper or which replaces the bumper and is constructed, treated, or manufactured to absorb energy upon impact.
(6)A schoolbus, when the excess length is caused by the projection of a crossing control arm. For the purposes of this chapter, crossing control arm means an extendable and retractable device fitted to the front of a schoolbus that is designed to impede movement of pupils exiting the schoolbus directly in front of the schoolbus so that pupils are visible to the driver while they are moving in front of the schoolbus. An operator of a schoolbus shall not extend a crossing control arm while the schoolbus is in motion. Except when activated, a crossing control arm shall not cause the maximum length of the schoolbus to be extended by more than 10 inches, inclusive of any front safety bumper. Use of a crossing control arm by the operator of a schoolbus does not, in and of itself, fulfill his or her responsibility to ensure the safety of students crossing a highway or private road pursuant to Section 22112.
(7)A bus, when the excess length is caused by a device, located in front of the front axle, for lifting wheelchairs into the bus. That device shall not cause the length of the bus to be extended by more than 18 inches, inclusive of any front safety bumper.
(8)A bus, when the excess length is caused by a device attached to the rear of the bus designed and used exclusively for the transporting of bicycles. This device may be up to 10 feet in length, if the device, along with any other device permitted pursuant to this section, does not cause the total length of the bus, including any device or load, to exceed 50 feet.
(9)A bus operated by a public agency or a passenger stage corporation, as defined in Section 226 of the Public Utilities Code, used in transit system service, other than a schoolbus, when the excess length is caused by a folding device attached to the front of the bus which is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. The device, including any bicycles transported thereon, shall be mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment, and shall not extend more than 40 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed. The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this paragraph shall not extend more than 46 inches from the front of the bus. Except as provided in paragraph (3), a A device described in this paragraph may not be used on a bus that, exclusive of the device, exceeds 40 feet in length length, or 60 feet in length pursuant to paragraph (3), or on a bus having a device attached to the rear of the bus pursuant to paragraph (8).
(10)(A)A bus of a length of up to 45 feet when operating on those highways specified in subdivision (a) of Section 35401.5. The Department of Transportation or local authorities, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions, may not deny reasonable access to a bus of a length of up to 45 feet between the highways specified in subdivision (a) of Section 35401.5 and points of loading and unloading for motor carriers of passengers as required by the federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-240).
(B)(i)A bus operated by a public agency and on those highways specified in subparagraph (A) may be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus that is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. The device, including all bicycles transported thereon, may be mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment, and may not extend more than 36 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed. The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this subparagraph may not extend more than 42 inches from the front of the bus. The total length of the bus, including the folding device or load, may not exceed 48.5 feet. A Route Review Committee,
(ii)A route review committee, established under this subparagraph, shall review the routes where a public agency proposes to operate a 45-foot bus equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack. The Route Review Committee committee shall be comprised of one three members as follows:
(I)One member from the public agency appointed by the general manager of the public agency; one agency.
(II)One member who is a traffic engineer and is employed and selected by the public agency that has jurisdiction over the largest proportional share of routes among all affected agencies; and one agencies.
(III)One member appointed by the labor organization that is the exclusive representative of the bus drivers of the public agency. If there is no exclusive representative of the bus drivers, a bus driver member shall be chosen by a majority vote of the bus drivers employed by the agency. The
(iii)The members of the Route Review Committee committee shall be selected not more than 30 days after receipt of a public agency proposal to equip a 45-foot bus with a front-mounted bicycle rack. The
(iv)The review shall include a field review of the proposed routes. The purpose of the Route Review Committee committee is to ensure the safe operation of a 45-foot bus that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack. The Route Review Committee, committee by a unanimous vote, shall make a determination of which routes are suitable for the safe operation of a 45-foot bus that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack. These determinations shall be consistent with the operating requirements specified in subparagraph (A). It is the intent of the Legislature that the field review required under this subparagraph include consultation with traffic engineers from affected public agencies that have jurisdiction over segments of the route or routes under review, to ensure coordination with all affected state and local public road agencies that may potentially be impacted due to the operation of a 45-foot bus with a front-mounted bicycle rack.
(11)(A)A house car of a length of up to 45 feet when operating on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways or when using those portions of federal aid primary system highways that have been qualified by the United States Secretary of Transportation for that use, or when using routes appropriately identified by the Department of Transportation or local authorities, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions.
(B)A house car described in subparagraph (A) may be operated on a highway that provides reasonable access to facilities for purposes limited to fuel, food, and lodging when that access is consistent with the safe operation of the vehicle and when the facility is within one road mile of identified points of ingress and egress to or from highways specified in subparagraph (A) for use by that vehicle.
(C)As used in this paragraph and paragraph (10), reasonable access means access substantially similar to that authorized for combinations of vehicles pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 35401.5.
(D)Any access route established by a local authority pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 35401.5 is open for access by a house car of a length of up to 45 feet. In addition, local authorities may establish a process whereby access to services by house cars of a length of up to 45 feet may be applied for upon a route not previously established as an access route. The denial of a request for access to services shall be only on the basis of safety and an engineering analysis of the proposed access route. In lieu of processing an access application, local authorities, with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, may provide signing, mapping, or a listing of highways, as necessary, to indicate the use of these specific routes by a house car of a length of up to 45 feet.
(c)The Legislature, by increasing the maximum permissible kingpin to rearmost axle distance to 40 feet effective January 1, 1987, as provided in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b), does not intend this action to be considered a precedent for any future increases in truck size and length limitations.
(d)Any transit bus equipped with a folding device installed on or after January 1, 1999, that is permitted under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) or under paragraph (9) of subdivision (b) shall be additionally equipped with any of the following:
(1)An indicator light that is visible to the driver and is activated whenever the folding device is in an extended position.
(2)Any other device or mechanism that provides notice to the driver that the folding device is in an extended position.
(3)A mechanism that causes the folding device to retract automatically from an extended position.
(e)(1)A person may not improperly or unsafely mount a bicycle on a device described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), or in paragraph (9) or (10) of subdivision (b).
(2)Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of Section 23114, or subdivision (a) of Section 24002, or any other law, when a bicycle is improperly or unsafely loaded by a passenger onto a transit bus, the passenger, and not the driver, is liable for any violation of this code that is attributable to the improper or unlawful loading of the bicycle.
(a)A vehicle may not exceed a length of 40 feet.
(b)This section does not apply to any of the following:
(1)A vehicle used in a combination of vehicles when the excess length is caused by auxiliary parts, equipment, or machinery not used as space to carry any part of the load, except that the combination of vehicles shall not exceed the length provided for combination vehicles.
(2)A vehicle, when the excess length is caused by any parts necessary to comply with the fender and mudguard regulations of this code.
(3)(A)An articulated bus or articulated trolley coach that does not exceed a length of 60 feet.
(B)An articulated bus or articulated trolley coach described in subparagraph (A) may be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus or trolley if the device is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. The device, including any bicycles transported thereon, shall be mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment, and shall not extend more than 36 40 inches from the front body of the bus or trolley coach when fully deployed. The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this subparagraph shall not extend more than 42 46 inches from the front of the bus.
(4)A semitrailer while being towed by a motortruck or truck tractor, if the distance from the kingpin to the rearmost axle of the semitrailer does not exceed 40 feet for semitrailers having two or more axles, or 38 feet for semitrailers having one axle if the semitrailer does not, exclusive of attachments, extend forward of the rear of the cab of the motortruck or truck tractor.
(5)A bus or house car when the excess length is caused by the projection of a front safety bumper or a rear safety bumper, or both. The safety bumper shall not cause the length of the vehicle to exceed the maximum legal limit by more than one foot in the front and one foot in the rear. For the purposes of this chapter, safety bumper means any device that is fitted on an existing bumper or which replaces the bumper and is constructed, treated, or manufactured to absorb energy upon impact.
(6)A schoolbus, when the excess length is caused by the projection of a crossing control arm. For the purposes of this chapter, crossing control arm means an extendable and retractable device fitted to the front of a schoolbus that is designed to impede movement of pupils exiting the schoolbus directly in front of the schoolbus so that pupils are visible to the driver while they are moving in front of the schoolbus. An operator of a schoolbus shall not extend a crossing control arm while the schoolbus is in motion. Except when activated, a crossing control arm shall not cause the maximum length of the schoolbus to be extended by more than 10 inches, inclusive of any front safety bumper. Use of a crossing control arm by the operator of a schoolbus does not, in and of itself, fulfill his or her responsibility to ensure the safety of students crossing a highway or private road pursuant to Section 22112.
(7)A bus, when the excess length is caused by a device, located in front of the front axle, for lifting wheelchairs into the bus. That device shall not cause the length of the bus to be extended by more than 18 inches, inclusive of any front safety bumper.
(8)A bus, when the excess length is caused by a device attached to the rear of the bus designed and used exclusively for the transporting of bicycles. This device may be up to 10 feet in length, if the device, along with any other device permitted pursuant to this section, does not cause the total length of the bus, including any device or load, to exceed 50 feet.
(9)A bus operated by a public agency or a passenger stage corporation, as defined in Section 226 of the Public Utilities Code, used in transit system service, other than a schoolbus, when the excess length is caused by a folding device attached to the front of the bus which is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. The device, including any bicycles transported thereon, shall be mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment, and shall not extend more than 40 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed. The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this paragraph shall not extend more than 46 inches from the front of the bus. A Except as provided in paragraph (3), a device described in this paragraph may not be used on a bus that, exclusive of the device, exceeds 40 feet in length or on a bus having a device attached to the rear of the bus pursuant to paragraph (8).
(10)(A)A bus of a length of up to 45 feet when operating on those highways specified in subdivision (a) of Section 35401.5. The Department of Transportation or local authorities, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions, may not deny reasonable access to a bus of a length of up to 45 feet between the highways specified in subdivision (a) of Section 35401.5 and points of loading and unloading for motor carriers of passengers as required by the federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-240).
(B)A bus operated by a public agency and on those highways specified in subparagraph (A) may be equipped with a folding device attached to the front of the bus that is designed and used exclusively for transporting bicycles. The device, including all bicycles transported thereon, may be mounted in a manner that does not materially affect efficiency or visibility of vehicle safety equipment, and may not extend more than 36 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed. The handlebars of a bicycle that is transported on a device described in this subparagraph may not extend more than 42 inches from the front of the bus. The total length of the bus, including the folding device or load, may not exceed 48.5 feet. A Route Review Committee, established under this subparagraph, shall review the routes where a public agency proposes to operate a 45-foot bus equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack. The Route Review Committee shall be comprised of one member from the public agency appointed by the general manager of the public agency; one member who is a traffic engineer and is employed and selected by the public agency that has jurisdiction over the largest proportional share of routes among all affected agencies; and one member appointed by the labor organization that is the exclusive representative of the bus drivers of the public agency. If there is no exclusive representative of the bus drivers, a bus driver member shall be chosen by a majority vote of the bus drivers employed by the agency. The members of the Route Review Committee shall be selected not more than 30 days after receipt of a public agency proposal to equip a 45-foot bus with a front-mounted bicycle rack. The review shall include a field review of the proposed routes. The purpose of the Route Review Committee is to ensure the safe operation of a 45-foot bus that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack. The Route Review Committee, by a unanimous vote, shall make a determination of which routes are suitable for the safe operation of a 45-foot bus that is equipped with a front-mounted bicycle rack. These determinations shall be consistent with the operating requirements specified in subparagraph (A). It is the intent of the Legislature that the field review required under this subparagraph include consultation with traffic engineers from affected public agencies that have jurisdiction over segments of the route or routes under review, to ensure coordination with all affected state and local public road agencies that may potentially be impacted due to the operation of a 45-foot bus with a front-mounted bicycle rack.
(11)(A)A house car of a length of up to 45 feet when operating on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways or when using those portions of federal aid primary system highways that have been qualified by the United States Secretary of Transportation for that use, or when using routes appropriately identified by the Department of Transportation or local authorities, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions.
(B)A house car described in subparagraph (A) may be operated on a highway that provides reasonable access to facilities for purposes limited to fuel, food, and lodging when that access is consistent with the safe operation of the vehicle and when the facility is within one road mile of identified points of ingress and egress to or from highways specified in subparagraph (A) for use by that vehicle.
(C)As used in this paragraph and paragraph (10), reasonable access means access substantially similar to that authorized for combinations of vehicles pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 35401.5.
(D)Any access route established by a local authority pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 35401.5 is open for access by a house car of a length of up to 45 feet. In addition, local authorities may establish a process whereby access to services by house cars of a length of up to 45 feet may be applied for upon a route not previously established as an access route. The denial of a request for access to services shall be only on the basis of safety and an engineering analysis of the proposed access route. In lieu of processing an access application, local authorities, with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, may provide signing, mapping, or a listing of highways, as necessary, to indicate the use of these specific routes by a house car of a length of up to 45 feet.
(c)The Legislature, by increasing the maximum permissible kingpin to rearmost axle distance to 40 feet effective January 1, 1987, as provided in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b), does not intend this action to be considered a precedent for any future increases in truck size and length limitations.
(d)Any transit bus equipped with a folding device installed on or after January 1, 1999, that is permitted under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) or under paragraph (9) of subdivision (b) shall be additionally equipped with any of the following:
(1)An indicator light that is visible to the driver and is activated whenever the folding device is in an extended position.
(2)Any other device or mechanism that provides notice to the driver that the folding device is in an extended position.
(3)A mechanism that causes the folding device to retract automatically from an extended position.
(e)(1)A person may not improperly or unsafely mount a bicycle on a device described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), or in paragraph (9) or (10) of subdivision (b).
(2)Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of Section 23114 23114, or subdivision (a) of Section 24002 24002, or any other provision of law, when a bicycle is improperly or unsafely loaded by a passenger onto a transit bus, the passenger, and not the driver, is liable for any violation of this code that is attributable to the improper or unlawful loading of the bicycle.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Jun 1, 2018 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 22, Statutes of 2018. |
| Jun 1, 2018 | Approved by the Governor. |
| May 24, 2018 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 3 p.m. |
| May 21, 2018 | In Assembly. Ordered to Engrossing and Enrolling. |
| May 21, 2018 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. |
| May 16, 2018 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| May 15, 2018 | From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (May 15). |
| Apr 25, 2018 | Referred to Com. on T. & H. |
| Apr 17, 2018 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| Apr 16, 2018 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. |
| Apr 11, 2018 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| Apr 10, 2018 | From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (April 9). |
| Apr 3, 2018 | Re-referred to Com. on TRANS. |
| Apr 2, 2018 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on TRANS. Read second time and amended. |
| Mar 15, 2018 | Referred to Com. on TRANS. |
| Feb 17, 2018 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 19. |
| Feb 16, 2018 | Read first time. To print. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2018 | Consent Calendar AB3124 | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 15, 2018 | Do pass and be ordered to the Consent Calendar | Senate Standing Committee on Transportation and Housing |
Passed |
|
| Apr 16, 2018 | AB 3124 BLOOM Consent Calendar Second Day | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 9, 2018 | Do pass. To Consent Calendar. | Assembly Standing Committee on Transportation |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| AC Transit | ** Support | May 16, 2018 |
| California Bicycle Coalition | ** Support | May 16, 2018 |
| California Transit Association | ** Support | May 16, 2018 |
| City and County of San Francisco | ** Support | Apr 6, 2018 |
| City of Thousand Oaks | ** Support | May 16, 2018 |
| Metropolitan Transportation Commission | ** Support | May 16, 2018 |
| Monterey-Salinas Transit | ** Support | Apr 6, 2018 |
| Orange County Transportation Authority | ** Support | May 16, 2018 |
| Riverside Transit Agency | ** Support | May 16, 2018 |
| San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency | ** Support | May 16, 2018 |
| Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District | ** Support | May 16, 2018 |
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | AB |
CONSENT
Bill No: AB 3124
:
SENATE TRANS. & HOUSING COMMITTEE: 11-0, 5/15/18
AYES: Beall, Allen, Dodd, Gaines, Galgiani, McGuire, Morrell, Roth, Vidak, Wieckowski, Wiener
NO VOTE RECORDED: Cannella, Skinner
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 73-0, 4/16/18 (Consent) - See last page for vote
SOURCE: California Transit Association
DIGEST:
This bill extends the length limitations for bike racks attached to articulated buses or articulated trolley coaches, as specified.
Existing law:
- Limits, generally, the length of a bus to 40 feet in length and an articulated bus or articulated trolley coach to 60 feet.
- Authorizes a public transit operator to equip its buses of 40 feet in length with bicycle racks that extend up to 40 inches out from the front of its buses and be loaded such that the bicycle handlebars extend up to 46 inches in front of the bus.
- Authorizes a public transit operator to equip its articulated buses or trolleys of 60 feet in length with bicycle racks that extend up to 36 inches out from the front of its buses and be loaded such that the bicycle handlebars extend up to 42 inches in front of the bus.
- Authorizes buses of a length of 45 feet to operate on the federal aid highway system, as defined, and allows bicycle racks that extend up to 36 inches out from the front of its buses and be loaded such that the bike handlebars extend up to 42 inches in front of the bus. In no case can the total length of the bus, the bike rack, and bikes be greater than 48.5 feet.
- Requires a transit agency to establish a route review committee if it wants to operate 45-foot buses with front-mounted bike racks. The route review committee must conduct a field review of routes where the buses would travel and consult traffic engineers from the public agencies with jurisdiction over the roads that the bus routes follow. Only when a route review committee determines by unanimous vote that 45-foot buses with front bike racks can operate safely on the selected routes may the public transit agency then operate such buses on those routes. The route review committee must be comprised of:
- A representative of the transit agency appointed by the general manager of that agency;
- A traffic engineer from the public agency that has jurisdiction over the largest proportion of the transit agency’s bus routes; and,
- A representative of the bus drivers chosen by the labor organization representing the bus drivers.
- Authorizes the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit), the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT), and Gold Coast Transit to install 40-inch bicycle racks on the front of their buses, with approval of a route review committee for installation on 45-foot buses.
- Authorizes Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) to operate buses up to 82 feet in length on the designated Orange Line in Los Angeles County, with approval of a route review committee.
This bill:
- Authorizes an operator to equip articulated transit bus or trolley of no more than 60 feet in length with a front-mounted bicycle rack that extends up to 40 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed, rather than the 36 inches allowed under current law, as long as it does not affect vehicle safety equipment.
- Limits the handlebars of a bicycle that is being transported on such a rack from extending more than 46 inches from the front of the bus rather than the 42 inches under current law.
- Requires the public agency who wants to add these 40-inch bicycle racks to buses or trolleys to establish a route review committee comprised of four members:
- One member from the public agency;
- One member who is a traffic engineer and is employed by the public agency that has the largest proportional share of routes among the affected agencies;
- One member appointed by the labor organization that is the exclusive representative of the bus drivers of the public agency; and,
- One member from the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the largest proportional share of routes among the affected agencies.
- Requires the committee to be appointed 30 days after the public agency proposes to install the 40-inch bicycle racks.
- Authorizes the committee to include a field review of the proposed routes.
- Declares that the purpose of the committee is to ensure the safe operation of the buses.
- Authorizes the committee to determine, by majority vote, which bus routes are suitable for the safe operation of the buses with the 40-inch bicycle racks.
Comments
- Purpose. According to the author, “AB 3124 allows transit systems to better accommodate riders who use their bicycles to get to and from transit stops. Enabling this kind of multi-modal travel is essential to building more sustainable transportation systems and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. For many people, bicycles provide a first and last mile connection to transit. Increasing the bike-carrying capacity of transit buses will allow more individuals to access this feature and make transit a more attractive option for Californians.”
- Bike rack extensions. Until recently, all types of transit vehicles on the road were allowed to be equipped with two-position bicycle racks. In 2014, AB 2707 (Chau, Chapter 310, Statutes of 2014) authorized that 40-foot transit buses be equipped with the three-position bicycle racks as long as they only extend up to 40 inches from the front of the body of the bus when fully deployed. Currently, three transit agencies in California are also authorized to install these racks on 45-foot buses. Prior to deploying the three-position racks, the transit agencies must go through a route review committee to ensure the safe operation of the buses on specific routes. For example, in January 2015, SacRT installed the three-position bicycle racks to a total of 209 vehicles in its fleet, and they have not experienced any major safety issues.
Currently, 60-foot articulated buses are the only remaining buses prohibited from installing 40-inch bike racks — current authorization only allows for 36-inch racks which carries two bicycles. The author points out that while articulated buses have the capacity to carry more transit riders, current law does not afford these buses with the same options that buses which carry less passengers possess. Furthermore, transit agencies throughout the state writing in support of this bill note that despite the difference in vehicle lengths, the turning radius between 40- and 60-foot buses are relatively similar; thereby minimizing safety concerns as many 40-inch bike racks are currently installed on 40-foot buses and are in operation. Ultimately, this bill will bring alignment to existing law by allowing transit agencies to install three-position bike racks for 60-foot articulated buses similar to the authorization granted for 40-foot and specific 45-foot transit buses.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:
California Transit Association (source)
AC Transit
California Bicycle Coalition
City of Thousand Oaks
Metropolitan Transportation Commission
Orange County Transportation Authority
Riverside Transit Agency
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District
OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/16/18)
None received
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 73-0, 4/16/18
AYES: Acosta, Aguiar-Curry, Arambula, Baker, Berman, Bigelow, Bloom, Bonta, Brough, Burke, Caballero, Calderon, Carrillo, Chau, Chávez, Chen, Chiu, Choi, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Cunningham, Dahle, Daly, Eggman, Flora, Fong, Frazier, Friedman, Gallagher, Eduardo Garcia, Gipson, Gloria, Gonzalez Fletcher, Gray, Grayson, Harper, Holden, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Kiley, Lackey, Levine, Limón, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Melendez, Mullin, Muratsuchi, Nazarian, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Patterson, Quirk, Quirk-Silva, Reyes, Rodriguez, Rubio, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Voepel, Waldron, Weber, Rendon
NO VOTE RECORDED: Travis Allen, Cervantes, Cristina Garcia, Wood
5/16/18 15:57:52
**** END ****
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING
Senator Jim Beall, Chair
2017 - 2018 Regular
Bill No: Hearing Date: 5/15/2018
Author: | Bloom | ||
Version: | 4/2/2018 | ||
Urgency: | No | Fiscal: | No |
Consultant: | Manny Leon | ||
SUBJECT:
DIGEST: This bill extends the length limitations for bike racks attached to articulated buses or articulated trolley coaches, as specified.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Generally limits the length of a bus to 40 feet in length and an articulated bus or articulated trolley coach to 60 feet.
- Authorizes a public transit operator to equip its buses of 40 feet in length with bicycle racks that extend up to 40 inches out from the front of its buses and be loaded such that the bicycle handlebars extend up to 46 inches in front of the bus.
- Authorizes a public transit operator to equip its articulated buses or trolleys of 60 feet in length with bicycle racks that extend up to 36 inches out from the front of its buses and be loaded such that the bicycle handlebars extend up to 42 inches in front of the bus.
- Authorizes buses of a length of 45 feet to operate on the federal aid highway system, as defined, and allows bicycle racks that extend up to 36 inches out from the front of its buses and be loaded such that the bike handlebars extend up to 42 inches in front of the bus. In no case can the total length of the bus, the bike rack, and bikes be greater than 48.5 feet.
- Requires a transit agency to establish a route review committee if it wants to operate 45-foot buses with front-mounted bike racks. The route review committee must conduct a field review of routes where the buses would travel and consult traffic engineers from the public agencies with jurisdiction over the roads that the bus routes follow. Only when a route review committee determines by unanimous vote that 45-foot buses with front bike racks can operate safely on the selected routes may the public transit agency then operate such buses on those routes. The route review committee must be comprised of:
- A representative of the transit agency appointed by the general manager of that agency;
- A traffic engineer from the public agency that has jurisdiction over the largest proportion of the transit agency’s bus routes; and,
- A representative of the bus drivers chosen by the labor organization representing the bus drivers.
- Authorizes the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit), the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT), and Gold Coast Transit to install 40-inch bicycle racks on the front of their buses, with approval of a route review committee for installation on 45-foot buses.
- Authorizes Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) to operate buses up to 82 feet in length on the designated Orange Line in L.A. County, with approval of a route review committee.
This bill:
- Authorizes an operator to equip articulated transit bus or trolley of no more than 60 feet in length with a front-mounted bicycle rack that extends up to 40 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed, rather than the 36 inches allowed under current law, as long as it does not affect vehicle safety equipment.
- Limits the handlebars of a bicycle that is being transported on such a rack from extending more than 46 inches from the front of the bus rather than the 42 inches under current law.
- Requires the public agency who wants to add these 40 inch bicycle racks to buses or trolleys to establish a route review committee comprised of four members:
- One member from the public agency;
- One member who is a traffic engineer and is employed by the public agency that has the largest proportional share of routes among the affected agencies;
- One member appointed by the labor organization that is the exclusive representative of the bus drivers of the public agency; and,
- One member from the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the largest proportional share of routes among the affected agencies.
- Requires the committee to be appointed 30 days after the public agency proposes to install the 40-inch bicycle racks.
- Authorizes the committee to include a field review of the proposed routes.
- Declares that the purpose of the committee is to ensure the safe operation of the buses.
- Authorizes the committee to determine, by majority vote, which bus routes are suitable for the safe operation of the buses with the 40-inch bicycle racks.
COMMENTS
- Purpose. According to the author, “AB 3124 allows transit systems to better accommodate riders who use their bicycles to get to and from transit stops. Enabling this kind of multi-modal travel is essential to building more sustainable transportation systems and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. For many people, bicycles provide a first and last mile connection to transit. Increasing the bike-carrying capacity of transit buses will allow more individuals to access this feature and make transit a more attractive option for Californians.”
- Bike rack extensions. Until recently, all types of transit vehicles on the road were allowed to be equipped with two-position bicycle racks. In 2014, AB 2707 (Chau, Chapter 310, Statues of 2014) authorized that 40-foot transit buses to be equipped with the three-position bicycle racks as long as they only extend up to 40 inches from the front of the body of the bus when fully deployed. Currently, three transit agencies in California are also authorized to install these racks on 45-foot buses. Prior to deploying the three-position racks, the transit agencies must go through a route review committee to ensure the safe operation of the buses on specific routes. For example, in January 2015 SacRT installed the three-position bicycle racks to a total of 209 vehicles in its fleet, and they have not experienced any major safety issues.
Currently, 60-foot articulated buses are the only remaining buses prohibited from installing 40-inch bike racks — current authorization only allows for 36-inch racks which carries two bicycles. The author points out that while articulated buses have the capacity to carry more transit riders, current law does not afford these buses with the same options that buses which carry less passengers possess. Furthermore, transit agencies throughout the state writing in support of this bill note that despite the difference in vehicle lengths, the turning radius between 40- and 60-foot buses are relatively similar; thereby minimizing safety concerns as many 40-inch bike racks are currently installed on 40-foot buses and are in operation. Ultimately, this bill will bring alignment to existing law by allowing transit agencies to install three-position bike racks for 60-foot articulated buses similar to the authorization granted for 40-foot and specific 45-foot transit buses.
Related Legislation:
AB 2707 (Chapter 310, Statues of 2014, Chau) — authorized the installation of 40-inch bicycle racks on buses no more than 40 feet in length and limits the handlebars of a bicycle from extending more than 46 inches from the front of the bus.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No
Assembly votes:
Floor: 73-0
Trans: 12-0
POSITIONS: (Communicated to the committee before noon on Wednesday,
May 9, 2018.)
SUPPORT:
California Transit Association (Sponsor)
AC Transit
California Bicycle Coalition
City of Thousand Oaks
Orange County Transportation Authority
Metropolitan Transportation Commission
Riverside Transit Agency
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District
OPPOSITION:
None received.
-- END --
Date of Hearing: April 9, 2018
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Jim Frazier, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 3124 (
Author:Bloom) – As Amended Ver:April 2, 2018
SUBJECT: Vehicles: length limitations: buses: bicycle transportation devices
SUMMARY: Authorizes an operator to equip a 60-foot articulated transit bus or trolley with a front-mounted bicycle rack that extends up to 40 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed and limits the handlebars of a bicycle that is being transported on such a rack from extending more than 46 inches from the front of the bus. Specifically, this bill:
- Authorizes an operator to equip articulated transit bus or trolley of no more than 60 feet in length with a front-mounted bicycle rack that extends up to 40 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed, rather than the 36 inches allowed under current law, as long as it does not affect vehicle safety equipment.
- Limits the handlebars of a bicycle that is being transported on such a rack from extending more than 46 inches from the front of the bus rather than the 42 inches under current law.
- Requires the public agency who wants to add these 40 inch bicycle racks to buses or trolleys to establish a route review committee comprised of four members:
- One member from the public agency;
- One member who is a traffic engineer and is employed by the public agency that has the largest proportional share of routes among the affected agencies;
- One member appointed by the labor organization that is the exclusive representative of the bus drivers of the public agency; and,
- One member from the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the largest proportional share of routes among the affected agencies.
- Requires the committee to be appointed 30 days after the public agency proposes to install the 40-inch bicycle racks.
- Authorizes the committee to include a field review of the proposed routes.
- Declares that the purpose of the committee is to ensure the safe operation of the buses.
- Authorizes the committee to determine, by majority vote, which bus routes are suitable for the safe operation of the buses with the 40 inch bicycle racks.
EXISTING LAW:
- Generally limits the length of a bus to 40 feet in length and an articulated bus or articulated trolley coach to 60 feet.
- Authorizes a public transit operator to equip its buses of 40 feet in length with bicycle racks that extend up to 40 inches out from the front of its buses and be loaded such that the bicycle handlebars extend up to 46 inches in front of the bus.
- Authorizes a public transit operator to equip its articulated buses or trolleys of 60 feet in length with bicycle racks that extend up to 36 inches out from the front of its buses and be loaded such that the bicycle handlebars extend up to 42 inches in front of the bus.
- Authorizes buses of a length of 45 feet to operate on the federal aid highway system, as defined, and allows bicycle racks that extend up to 36 inches out from the front of its buses and be loaded such that the bike handlebars extend up to 42 inches in front of the bus. In no case can the total length of the bus, the bike rack, and bikes be greater than 48.5 feet.
- Requires a transit agency to establish a route review committee if it wants to operate 45 foot buses with front-mounted bike racks. The route review committee must conduct a field review of routes where the buses would travel and consult traffic engineers from the public agencies with jurisdiction over the roads that the bus routes follow. Only when a route review committee determines by unanimous vote that 45 foot buses with front bike racks can operate safely on the selected routes may the public transit agency then operate such buses on those routes. The route review committee must be comprised of:
- A representative of the transit agency appointed by the general manager of that agency;
- A traffic engineer from the public agency that has jurisdiction over the largest proportion of the transit agency’s bus routes; and,
- A representative of the bus drivers chosen by the labor organization representing the bus drivers.
- Authorizes the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit), the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT), and Gold Coast Transit to install 40-inch bicycle racks on the front of their buses, with approval of a route review committee for installation on 45-foot buses.
- Authorizes Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), to operate buses up to 82 feet in length on the designated Orange Line in L.A. County, with approval of a route review committee.
FISCAL EFFECT: None, this bill is keyed non-fiscal by the Legislative Counsel.
COMMENTS: California continues to support policies to encourage more active transportation opportunities, especially as a commute alterantive to driving. To that end, public transit agencies have seen increased ridership from bicyclists who wish to use transit for some portion of their trip. Transit buses are authorized to be equipped with front-mounted bicycle racks but the law varies in the allowable length of the bicycle rack for certain length buses. Bicycle racks extending 36 inches from the front body of the bus when fully deployed are typically only large enough to accommodate two bicycles. Bicycle racks extending 40 inches can typically accommodate three bicycles.
Until recently, all types of transit vehicles on the road were allowed to be equipped with two-position bicycle racks. In 2014, AB 2707 (Chau), Chapter 310, Statues of 2014, authorized that 40-ft transit buses to be equipped with the three-position bicycle racks as long as they only extend up to 40 inches from the front of the body of the bus when fully deployed. Currently, three transit agencies in California are also authorized to install these racks on 45-foot buses. Prior to deploying the three-position racks, the transit agencies must go through a route review committee to ensure the safe operation of the buses on specific routes. For example, in January 2015 SacRT installed the three-position bicycle racks to a total of 209 vehicles in its fleet, and they had not experienced any major safety issues.
According to the author, “As state and local agencies move to attract more riders to transit to meet California’s laudable environmental and mobility goals, it is important to accommodate riders who use various modes, including bikes, to get to and from transit systems. AB 3124 will help better accommodate these riders by increasing the number of bikes that can be carried on transit buses.”
Specifically, this bill allows 60-foot articulated buses to install the three-position bicycle racks. The sponsor of the bill, the California Transit Association, explains that, “Despite the longer vehicle length, the turning radius of both vehicles is very similar due to the articulated center joint of the 60-foot vehicles. Thus, from an operating standpoint, deploying the three-position bike rack on a 60-ft bus is very similar to its current usage on a 40-ft bus. In order to ensure the longer vehicles are operating as safely as possible, this bill includes route review language requiring transit agencies, bus operators, local government, and law enforcement to collaborate before a bus can be deployed using these longer racks.”
In writing in support of the bill the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) shares what the bill would mean for their agency. “This authority would increase capacity and make it easier for cyclists to transport their bicycles on buses when they wish to use transit for some portion of their trip. With the increasing number of bicyclists in San Francisco, we want to make it as easy as possible for people to bicycle and take transit, rather than using a private vehicle. Muni’s 60-foot buses carry approximately 196,400 riders daily. These buses typically operate on the highest ridership routes including the 14-Mission, 30-Stockton, 38/38RGeary and the 49 Van Ness-Mission.” Further, “SFMTA has been testing 40-inch three-position racks since 2015, without any major complaints from transit operators or law enforcement.”
Additionally, from the customer perspective, the California Bicycle Coalition states, “Increasing bicycling and transit use, often in tandem, is environmentally, economically, and equitably responsible. The legislative authority of AB 3124 would increase capacity and make it easier for cyclists to transport their bicycles on buses when they wish to use transit for some portion of their trip.”
Previous legislation: AB 1340 (Chau) of 2015, would have prohibited bicycle racks from extending more than 40 inches from the front of the bus, rather than the front of the body of the bus. AB 1340 was referred to this committee but was not heard at the request of the author.
AB 2707 (Chau), Chapter 310, Statues of 2014, authorized the installation of 40-inch bicycle racks on buses no more than 40 feet in length and limits the handlebars of a bicycle from extending more than 46 inches from the front of the bus.
AB 1684 (Chávez) of 2014, would have authorized the North County Transit District to install bike racks on its buses that extend 43 inches from the front body of the bus, with a route review committee required for installation on any buses exceeding 40 feet in length. AB 1684 was referred to this committee but was not heard at the request of the author.
AB 652 (Skinner), Chapter 369, Statutes of 2009, authorized AC Transit to install 40-inch bicycle racks on its buses, pursuant to a vote of a route review committee on any 45-foot buses.
AB 2488 (Williams), Chapter 376, Statutes of 2012, authorized Gold Coast Transit in Ventura County install 40-inch bicycle racks on its buses, pursuant to a vote of a route review committee on any 45-foot buses.
AB 206 (Dickinson), Chapter 95, Statutes of 2013, authorized Sac RT install 40-inch bicycle racks on its buses, pursuant to a vote of a route review committee on any 45-foot buses.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
California Transit Association (Sponsor)
Alameda-Contra Costa Transit
California Bicycle Coalition
City and County of San Francisco
Metropolitan Transportation Commission
Monterey-Salinas Transit
Riverside Transit Agency
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Melissa White / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):