Why? One big reason is that the California Traffic Control Devices Committee, which advises Caltrans on standards for traffic signs, signals and pavement markings, such as bike lanes and crosswalks, has no members representing bicyclists, pedestrians or transit users. Yet the state’s two automobile associations have permanent seats – motorists are the only road users represented on a committee whose guidance affects all road users. This makes no sense!

But we’re very close to changing that! The California Bicycle Coalition is sponsoring Assembly Bill 345, authored by San Diego Assemblymember Toni Atkins. AB 345 specifies that the committee’s membership include two representatives nominated by the Active Transportation Livable Communities Group, which advises Caltrans on issues related to full accommmodation of all road users. This is exactly the broad perspective the California Traffic Control Devices Committee currently lacks. Caltrans has resisted other efforts to include bicyclists on the committee – that’s why we’ve turned to legislation.

AB 345 faces its final vote in the full Senate in the next two weeks. I’m writing to ask you to send the committee a message of support for AB 345 no later than the close of business, Thursday, Aug. 18. Your senator needs to understand how bicyclists like you are affected by the decisions made by Caltrans.

Simply copy and paste the text below onto your own letterhead or into an email message, modify it as indicated, and send it to your state senator, using this directory. (Not sure who your state senator is?Start here.) Please also email or fax a copy of your letter to Assemblymember Toni Atkins atAssemblymember.Atkins@assembly.ca.gov or (916) 319-2176.

If you have questions or concerns, contact CBC Communications Director Jim Brown at (916) 446-7558 or jimbrown@calbike.org.

Thank you so much for helping us win support for this bill!

Dave Snyder
Executive Director

____________________________________________________________

SAMPLE LETTER

 

<<YOUR SENATOR>>
State Capitol, Room ___________
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) _____________

Re: AB 345 – SUPPORT 

Dear Sen. ______________:

I’m a constituent from <<YOUR COMMUNITY>> and I’m writing to urge you to approve Assembly Bill 345 (Atkins) when the Senate hears the bill later this month.

 

AB 345 helps California communities make their streets safe and convenient for everyone, including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, people with disabilities, seniors and users of public transportation. AB 345 accomplishes this by ensuring that Caltrans hears the perspective of all road users when establishing guidance for traffic signals and signs and pavement markings such as bike lanes.

Caltrans is advised by the California Traffic Control Devices Committee, whose members include both state automobile associations but no representatives of bicyclists, pedestrians or transit users — even though people walking and bicycling account for more than 20% of all roadway fatalities in California. Expanding the committee’s membership will help save lives and help ensure that roads are built right the first time, avoiding costly retrofits. 

I care very much about the safety of everyone who uses our roads, including bicyclists. I strongly urge you to support this bill.

Sincerely,

<<YOUR NAME>>
<<YOUR ADDRESS,
<<YOUR CITY, STATE, ZIP>>

CC: Assemblymember Toni Atkins

_______________________________________________________________

The California Bicycle Coalition is a non-profit education and lobbying organization working to improve bicycling conditions throughout the State of California. CBC’s mission is to create safe, healthy and livable communities in California by promoting bicycling for transportation and recreation. Learn more about CBC.