Existing law, until January 1, 2018, includes among traffic control devices, a traffic-actuated signal that displays one or more of its indications in response to the presence of traffic by mechanical, visual, electrical, or other means, and requires, upon the first placement of a traffic-actuated signal or replacement of the loop detector of a traffic-actuated signal, that the signal be installed and maintained, to the extent feasible and in conformance with professional engineering practices, so as to detect lawful bicycle or motorcycle traffic on the roadway.

This bill would extend the operation of this requirement indefinitely.

By extending indefinitely requirements regarding traffic-actuated signals applicable to local governments, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Existing law, until January 1, 2018, includes among traffic control devices, a traffic-actuated signal that displays one or more of its indications in response to the presence of traffic by mechanical, visual, electrical, or other means, and requires, upon the first placement of a traffic-actuated signal or replacement of the loop detector of a traffic-actuated signal, that the signal be installed and maintained, to the extent feasible and in conformance with professional engineering practices, so as to detect lawful bicycle or motorcycle traffic on the roadway.

This bill would extend the operation of this requirement indefinitely.

By extending indefinitely requirements regarding traffic-actuated signals applicable to local governments, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Existing law, until January 1, 2018, includes among traffic control devices, a traffic-actuated signal that displays one or more of its indications in response to the presence of traffic by mechanical, visual, electrical, or other means, and requires, upon the first placement of a traffic-actuated signal or replacement of the loop detector of a traffic-actuated signal, that the signal be installed and maintained, to the extent feasible and in conformance with professional engineering practices, so as to detect lawful bicycle or motorcycle traffic on the roadway.

This bill would extend the operation of this requirement indefinitely.

By extending indefinitely requirements regarding traffic-actuated signals applicable to local governments, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

SENATE THIRD READING

STR Bill Id:SB 672

Author:(Fuller)

As Introduced Ver:February 17, 2017

Majority vote

SENATE VOTE: 38-0

SUMMARY: Removes the sunset on the requirement that cities and counties, when installing traffic-actuated signals, install and maintain systems that can detect bicycles and motorcycles, thereby making the requirement permanent.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Provides that a traffic-actuated signal is a traffic signal that is triggered by the presence of traffic.
2. Requires cities, counties, and cities and counties, until January 1, 2018, when installing or replacing a traffic-actuated signal, to install and maintain the signal so as to detect lawful bicycle or motorcycle traffic on the roadway.
3. Provides that cities, counties, and cities and counties shall not be required to install traffic-actuated signals that detect bicycles and motorcycles until the state Department of Transportation (Caltrans), in consultation with these entities, has established uniform standards, specifications, and guidelines for implementation.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee:

1. Costs to Caltrans of about $400,000 annually to continue installing traffic-actuated signals that can detect motorcycles and bicycles, as opposed to older-style signals that cost less. For example, Caltrans indicates that signals complaint with this bill cost on average $7,500 more per intersection and the department installs between 50 and 60 traffic signals annually. However, because Caltrans has administratively adopted standards requiring the use of traffic-actuated signals that can detect motorcycles and bicycles any cost avoidance from the sunset of the statutory requirement will likely not be realized.
2. Unknown potentially reimbursable state mandate. However, local agencies are already complying with the provisions of this bill and it does not appear a mandate claim has been submitted to date.

COMMENTS: Traffic-actuated signals change when they detect a vehicle is waiting at the stop sign rather than simply changing the signal on a pre-set interval. By adapting signal changes to traffic volume, traffic actuated signals help maintain the flow of traffic and improve safety. Older-style traffic-actuated signals work by detecting vehicles using loop detectors that are imbedded in the pavement. With these older-style traffic-actuated signals, the vehicle's weight causes the loop to be closed thus prompting a signal change.

Because loop detectors rely on a vehicle's mass to close the loop and prompt a signal change, smaller vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles go undetected by these systems. As a result, motorcycles and bicycles must either wait until a vehicle approaches to trigger a signal change or simply cross "against the light," a maneuver that is dangerous and can have severe, and sometimes even fatal, consequences.

To improve safety, AB 1581 (Fuller), Chapter 337, Statutes of 2007, required cities and counties, when upgrading or replacing traffic-actuated signals or replacing the loop detectors, to install and maintain the systems that can detect smaller vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles. AB 1581 contained provisions specifying that cities and counties were not required to install bicycle- and motorcycle-friendly systems until the Caltrans established uniform standards, specifications, and guidelines for the detection of bicycles and motorcycles by traffic-actuated signals. This bill also included a sunset date of January 1, 2018.

On August 27, 2009, Caltrans issued Traffic Operations Policy Directive 09-06, requiring the incorporation of devices used to detect the presence or passage of vehicles (including motorcycles), bicycles, or pedestrians at signals. This policy directive included specifications for the detection systems, established requirements for where detectors should be placed relative to the stop limit line and signal light intervals. These requirements and specification were ultimately included in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

As required by AB 1581, local jurisdictions have been installing detection systems for bicyclists and motorcyclists when installing or maintaining traffic-actuated systems. Several cities contacted by the committee indicate that the costs associated with upgrading the systems to detect bicycles and motorcycles are minor

Committee comments: Since cities and counties are currently complying with the requirements set forth in AB 1581, extending the requirement indefinitely by eliminating the sunset will continue to improve safety for all roadway users at minimal cost.

Analysis Prepared by: Victoria Alvarez / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093 FN: 0001640

Date of Hearing: July 19, 2017

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 672

Author:(Fuller) – As Introduced Ver:February 17, 2017

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: Yes Reimbursable: Yes

SUMMARY:

This bill removes the sunset on the requirement that cities and counties, when installing traffic-actuated signals, install and maintain systems that can detect bicycles and motorcycles, thereby making the requirement permanent.

FISCAL EFFECT:

1. Costs to Caltrans of about $400,000 annually to continue installing traffic-actuated signals that can detect motorcycles and bicycles, as opposed to older-style signals that cost less. For example, Caltrans indicates that signals complaint with this bill cost on average $7,500 more per intersection and the department installs between 50 and 60 traffic signals annually. However, because Caltrans has administratively adopted standards requiring the use of traffic-actuated signals that can detect motorcycles and bicycles any cost avoidance from the sunset of the statutory requirement will likely not be realized.
2. Unknown potentially reimbursable state mandate. However, local agencies are already complying with the provisions of this bill and it does not appear a mandate claim has been submitted to date.

COMMENTS:

1. Background. Traffic-actuated signals change when they detect a vehicle is waiting at the stop light rather than simply changing the signal on a pre-set interval. By adapting signal changes to traffic volume, traffic-actuated signals help maintain the flow of traffic and improve safety. However, older-style traffic-actuated signals work by detecting vehicles using loop detectors that are imbedded in the pavement and the vehicle's weight causes the loop to be closed thus prompting a signal change.

Because loop detectors rely on a vehicle's mass to close the loop and prompt a signal change, smaller vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles go undetected by these systems. As a result, motorcycles and bicycles must either wait until a vehicle approaches to trigger a signal change or simply cross "against the light," a maneuver that is dangerous and can have severe, and sometimes even fatal, consequences.

1. Purpose. To improve safety, AB 1581 (Fuller), Chapter 337, Statutes of 2007, required local agencies and Caltrans to install and maintain systems that can detect motorcycles and bicycles when installing new traffic-actuated signals or replacing loop detectors. AB 1581 included a sunset date of January 1, 2018. This bill would remove the sunset and make permanent the requirement that new traffic-actuated signals that are installed be able to detect bicycles and motorcycles.

Analysis Prepared by: Jessica Peters / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: June 26, 2017

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Jim Frazier, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 672

Author:(Fuller) – As Introduced Ver:February 17, 2017

SENATE VOTE: 38-0

SUBJECT: Traffic-actuated signals: motorcycles and bicycles

SUMMARY: Removes the sunset on the requirement that cities and counties, when installing traffic-actuated signals, install and maintain systems that can detect bicycles and motorcycles, thereby making the requirement permanent.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Provides that a traffic-actuated signal is a traffic signal that is triggered by the presence of traffic.
2. Requires cities, counties, and cities and counties, until January 1, 2018, when installing or replacing a traffic-actuated signal, to install and maintain the signal so as to detect lawful bicycle or motorcycle traffic on the roadway.
3. Provides that cities, counties, and cities and counties shall not be required to install traffic-actuated signals that detect bicycles and motorcycles until the state Department of Transportation (Caltrans), in consultation with these entities, has established uniform standards, specifications, and guidelines for implementation.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, negligible state costs.

COMMENTS: Traffic-actuated signals change when they detect a vehicle is waiting at the stop sign rather than simply changing the signal on a pre-set interval. By adapting signal changes to traffic volume, traffic actuated signals help maintain the flow of traffic and improve safety. Older-style traffic-actuated signals work by detecting vehicles using loop detectors that are imbedded in the pavement. With these older-style traffic-actuated signals, the vehicle's weight causes the loop to be closed thus prompting a signal change.

Because loop detectors rely on a vehicle's mass to close the loop and prompt a signal change, smaller vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles go undetected by these systems. As a result, motorcycles and bicycles must either wait until a vehicle approaches to trigger a signal change or simply cross "against the light," a maneuver that is dangerous and can have severe, and sometimes even fatal, consequences.

To improve safety, AB 1581 (Fuller), Chapter 337, Statutes of 2007, required cities and counties, when upgrading or replacing traffic-actuated signals or replacing the loop detectors, to install and maintain the systems that can detect smaller vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles. AB 1581 contained provisions specifying that cities and counties were not required to install bicycle- and motorcycle-friendly systems until the Caltrans established uniform standards, specifications, and guidelines for the detection of bicycles and motorcycles by traffic-actuated signals. This bill also included a sunset date of January 1, 2018.

On August 27, 2009, Caltrans issued Traffic Operations Policy Directive 09-06, requiring the incorporation of devices used to detect the presence or passage of vehicles (including motorcycles), bicycles, or pedestrians at signals. This policy directive included specifications for the detection systems, established requirements for where detectors should be placed relative to the stop limit line and signal light intervals. These requirements and specification were ultimately included in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

As required by AB 1581, local jurisdictions have been installing detection systems for bicyclists and motorcyclists when installing or maintaining traffic-actuated systems. Several cities contacted by the committee indicate that the costs associated with upgrading the systems to detect bicycles and motorcycles are minor

Committee comments: Since cities and counties are currently complying with the requirements set forth in AB 1581, extending the requirement indefinitely by eliminating the sunset will continue to improve safety for all roadway users at minimal cost.

Previous legislation: AB 1581 (Fuller), Chapter 337, Statutes of 2007, requires, cities and counties, upon first placement of a traffic-actuated signal or replacement of the loop detector of a traffic-actuated signal, to install those signals that detect motorcycle and bicycle traffic on the roadway, until January 1, 2018.

AB 2521 (La Suer) of 2002 would have required that traffic-actuated traffic signals be capable of being actuated by bicycles and motorcycles. AB 2521 was vetoed by Governor Davis because the measure would have resulted in unknown reimbursable state-mandated costs on local government.

AB 930 (Thompson) of 1998 would have authorized the use of specialized traffic control signals for bicycles, contingent upon Caltrans guidelines. AB 930 was vetoed by Governor Wilson, citing the reimbursable mandated costs to local agencies as his primary concern.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

Automobile Club of Southern California

ABATE of California

American Motorcyclist Association

California Association of Bicycling Organizations

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Victoria Alvarez / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093

 CONSENT  

Bill No: SB 672

Author:

:

Vote:

SENATE TRANS. & HOUSING COMMITTEE: 12-0, 4/18/17

AYES: Beall, Cannella, Allen, Atkins, Gaines, McGuire, Mendoza, Morrell, Roth, Skinner, Wieckowski, Wiener

NO VOTE RECORDED: Bates

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

SUBJECT:

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill removes the sunset on the requirement to install traffic-actuated signals that detect bicycles and motorcycles.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Provides that a traffic-actuated signal is a traffic signal that is triggered by the presence of traffic.
2. Requires cities, counties, and cities and counties, until January 1, 2018, when installing or replacing a traffic-actuated signal, to install and maintain the signal so as to detect lawful bicycle or motorcycle traffic on the roadway.
3. Provides that cities, counties, and cities and counties shall not be required to comply with (2) until the State Department of Transportation, in consultation with these entities, has established uniform standards, specifications, and guidelines for implementation.

This bill removes the sunset on the requirement for cities and counties to, when installing or replacing a traffic-actuated signal, install and maintain it so as to detect bicycles and motorcycles.

Background

There are two general types of traffic signals, pre-timed and traffic-actuated; the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) provides general guidance for which type of signal should be installed depending on the circumstances. With traffic-actuated signals, all traffic movements or phases are provided with detectors such as an inductive loop detector, a magnetometer, a magnetic detector, a video detector, or a pressure sensitive detector. Loop detectors, the most commonly used, are installed in the pavement and detect a vehicle (or bicycle or motorcycle, if so designed) when it passes over the loop or is stopped within the loop, and thus triggers the traffic signal.

Comments

1. Purpose. The author states that in the past, traffic signals were activated by detecting mass; however, signals often were not set to detect motorcycles or bicycles, which weigh much less. This created dangerous situations where riders could be rear-ended or worse. Over the past 10 years, the use of traffic-actuated signals that can detect bicycles and motorcycles has been successful and has created safer communities throughout California. The requirement to install signals that detect bicycles and motorcycles, however, will sunset next year. Since there has been no indication of opposition or compliance issues, it is time to remove the sunset and allow the law to remain in place.
2. Not an onerous requirement. The MUTCD states that “Even though a sophisticated signal control should operate satisfactorily at any intersection, the intersection should not be provided with a type of control that is unnecessarily complex and expensive.” Traffic-actuated signals that detect bicycles and motorcycles are now commonly used and are not significantly more expensive than those that do not detect bicycles and motorcycles.

Related/Prior Legislation

AB 1581 (Fuller, Chapter 337, Statutes of 2007) requires, cities and counties, upon first placement of a traffic-actuated signal or replacement of the loop detector of a traffic-actuated signal, to install those signals that detect motorcycle and bicycle traffic on the roadway, until January 1, 2018.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

SUPPORT: (Verified 5/1/17)

ABATE of California

American Motorcyclist Association

California Association of Bicycling Organizations

California Delivery Association

OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/1/17)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: Supporters note that the use of traffic-actuated signals that detect bicycles and motorcycles has successfully reduced accidents and dangerous near-misses. With the evolution towards lighter weight parts to increase riding efficiency and fuel economy, these signals are more important than ever.

Prepared by:

5/3/17 14:40:36

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING

Senator Jim Beall, Chair

2017 - 2018 Regular

Bill No: Hearing Date: 4/18/2017

SUBJECT: .

DIGEST: This bill removes the sunset on the requirement to install traffic-actuated signals that detect bicycles and motorcycles.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Provides that a traffic-actuated signal is a traffic signal that is triggered by the presence of traffic.
2. Requires cities, counties, and cities and counties, until January 1, 2018, when installing or replacing a traffic-actuated signal, to install and maintain the signal so as to detect lawful bicycle or motorcycle traffic on the roadway.
3. Provides that cities, counties, and cities and counties shall not be required to comply with (#2) until the state Department of Transportation (Caltrans), in consultation with these entities, has established uniform standards, specifications, and guidelines for implementation.

This bill removes the sunset on the requirement for cities and counties to, when installing or replacing a traffic-actuated signal, install and maintain it so as to detect bicycles and motorcycles.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. The author states that in the past, traffic signals were activated by detecting mass; however, signals often were not set to detect motorcycles or bicycles, which weigh much less. This created dangerous situations where riders could be rear-ended or worse. Over the past 10 years, the use of traffic-actuated signals that can detect bicycles and motorcycles has been successful and has created safer communities throughout California. The requirement to install signals that detect bicycles and motorcycles, however, will sunset next year. Since there has been no indication of opposition or compliance issues, it is time to remove the sunset and allow the law to remain in place.
2. Background. There are two general types of traffic signals, pre-timed and traffic-actuated; the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) provides general guidance for which type of signal should be installed depending on the circumstances. With traffic-actuated signals, all traffic movements or phases are provided with detectors such as an inductive loop detector, a magnetometer, a magnetic detector, a video detector, or a pressure sensitive detector. Loop detectors, the most commonly used, are installed in the pavement and detect a vehicle (or bicycle or motorcycle, if so designed) when it passes over the loop or is stopped within the loop, and thus triggers the traffic signal.
3. Not an onerous requirement. The MUTCD states that “Even though a sophisticated signal control should operate satisfactorily at any intersection, the intersection should not be provided with a type of control that is unnecessarily complex and expensive.” The committee understands that traffic-actuated signals that detect bicycles and motorcycles are now commonly used and are not significantly more expensive than those that do not detect bicycles and motorcycles.

Related Legislation:

AB 1581 (Fuller, Chapter 337, Statutes of 2007) requires, cities and counties, upon first placement of a traffic-actuated signal or replacement of the loop detector of a traffic-actuated signal, to install those signals that detect motorcycle and bicycle traffic on the roadway, until January 1, 2018.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: Yes

POSITIONS: (Communicated to the committee before noon on Wednesday,

April 12, 2017.)

SUPPORT:

ABATE of California

American Motorcyclist Association

California Association of Bicycling Organizations

California Delivery Association

OPPOSITION:

None received.

-- END --