H. B. 4006
(By Delegate Guthrie)
[Introduced January 9, 2008; referred to the
Committee on Roads and Transportation then Finance.]
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by
adding thereto a new section, designated §17-4-36a, relating
to bicycle and pedestrian ways given full consideration in the
planning and development of state roads.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended
by adding thereto a new section, designated §17-4-36a, to read as
follows:
ARTICLE 4. STATE ROAD SYSTEM.
§17-4-36a. Bicycle and pedestrian ways.
(a) Bicycle and pedestrian ways shall be given full
consideration in the planning and development of state roads,
including the incorporation of bicycle and pedestrian ways into
state plans and programs.
(b) In or within one mile of an urban area, bicycle and pedestrian ways shall be established in conjunction with the
construction, reconstruction or other change of any state road
except:
(1) In pavement resurfacing projects that do not widen the
existing traveled way or do not provide stabilized shoulders; or
(2) Where approved by the Commissioner of Highways based upon
documented safety issues, excessive cost or absence of need.
(c) Bicycle and pedestrian ways may be included in pavement
resurfacing projects when local support is evident or bicycling and
walking accommodations can be added within the overall scope of the
original roadwork.
(d) The Division of Highways shall establish design and
construction standards for bicycle and pedestrian ways. Beginning
the first day of July, two thousand eight, this section shall apply
to planning and training purposes only. Beginning the first day of
July, two thousand nine, this section shall apply to construction
projects.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to include bicycle and
pedestrian ways in consideration in the planning and development of
state roads. It provides that bicycle and pedestrian ways shall be
established in conjunction with the construction, reconstruction or
other changes of any state road, with special emphasis to projects
in or within one mile of an urban area.
Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from
the present law, and underscoring indicates new language that would
be added.