House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

Shortly, I plan to introduce a bill which would amend Title 75, the Vehicle Code, for the purpose of establishing a bicycle Share-The-Road registration plate to be issued by the Department of Transportation with all collected fees to be used solely by the Department. This is timely when all revenue for the Department is scarce.

It is appropriate to introduce a special registration plate that reinforces the intent of Act 3 of 2012, bicycle safety legislation meant to provide a greater margin of safety for bicyclists on commonwealth roadways and guidance for law enforcement officers.

This bill will direct the Department to collect all fees, which includes a premium additional fee to be determined by the Secretary (not more than $50) for the sole purpose of, 1) funding the Department central office position of Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator (a position required by the Federal Highway Administration under the Highway Trust Fund reauthorization, MAP-21), and 2) highway infrastructure signage as approved by the Department for bicyclists with the purpose of wayfinding and/or safety.

The final design of a Share-The-Road registration plate shall be determined by the Department in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Pedalcycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (75 Pa C.S §3571).

Twenty-one other states have approved a Share-The-Road plate to date; however, every other state splits or shares fees with various groups and organizations — often a not-for-profit non-government advocacy entity.

It is my intent to introduce this bill and hereafter refer to it as the David (Dave) Bachman Act in memory of a PennDOT employee who has since recently passed, but served the Department with distinction as the first Bike/Ped Coordinator for many years.

Please join me in introducing this bill during May — Bike Month.