Adds a bicycle and pedestrian safety component to the pre-licensing drivers education course

2 Co-sponsors

• Timothy M. Kennedy
• Thomas F. O'Mara

BILL NUMBER:S1452

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to adding a bicycle and pedestrian safety component to the pre-licensing driver's education course

Purpose

Ensure that drivers receive instruction regarding situations that they may face when sharing the road with cyclists, pedestrians and others before they obtain their New York State driver's license.

Summary of provisions

Section one of this bill amends Vehicle and Traffic Law section 502 by amending subparagraph (i) of paragraph (a), paragraphs (b) and (d), and adding a new paragraph (c-3). Section 502(4)(a)(i) is amended by adding bicycle and pedestrian safety to the list of topics that shall be included in the written examination given to applicants for a driver's license. The amendments to paragraphs (b) and (d) make changes to reflect the addition of bicycle and pedestrian safety to the driver's license written examination. New paragraph (c-3) prescribes topics that must be included in the bicycle and pedestrian safety component of the pre-licensing course and which can be included in the driver's license written examination.

Section two of this bill provides that this act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law.

Existing law

Currently, the Vehicle and Traffic Law requires pre-licensing education courses and the licensing examination to include various laws and rules relating to operating a motor vehicle in New York.

Justification

Vehicle and Traffic Law section 502 mandates that prospective drivers take a pre-licensing course and a written examination prior to obtaining a driver's license. While the pre-licensing course and written examination are required to cover various subjects such as road rage, driving while impaired and exercising due care to avoid collisions are required to be included in such pre-licensing education courses and the licensing examination, bicycle and pedestrian safety are not required to be included in these courses or in the examination.

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of bicycles on the road; some estimates put the number of riders at more than 200,000 daily. Additionally, the number automobile and pedestrian accidents continues to increase. Because there are more bicyclists sharing the roads, it is imperative that the regulations governing the licensing of New York State drivers reflect this fact. This legislation would specifically require the pre-licensing course to cover bicycle safety,

as well as other non-motorized vehicles, and ensure future motorists are better able to share the road.

Legislative history

2014: S.6143-A - Passed the Senate 2013: S.2972 - Referred to Transportation 2012: S.3598-A - Referred to Transportation 2011: S.3958 - Referred to Transportation 2010: S.8487 - Referred to in Rules

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law.