New/Replaced Traffic Signals in CA Required to Detect Bicycles/Motorcycles

On October 8, 2007, Governor Schwazenegger signed a bill, AB 1581, which will require all new and replaced traffic signals to detect bicycle and motorcycle traffic. This bill will take effect when Caltrans adopts uniform standards, specifications, and guidelines for the detection of bicycle and motorcycle traffic.

This bill specifies that traffic signals should 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. Cities and counties are not required to comply with those requirements until Caltrans has established uniform standards, specifications, and guidelines for the detection of bicycles and motorcycles by traffic-actuated signals and related signal timing. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state.

Sources: http://www.ebbc.org/?q=node/156 http://www.calbike.org/legislation07.htm http://lists.svbc.dreamhost.com/pipermail/bikes-svbc.dreamhost.com/2007-October/009323.html http://www.bikesandiego.org/pipermail/sdcbc/2007-October/001651.html