Portantino Bill to Increase Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety Passed Assembly Transportation Committee
For Immediate Release: July 6, 2023
Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400
Portantino Bill to Increase Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety Passed Assembly Transportation Committee
Sacramento, California – Senate Bill 538, authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank), passed the Assembly Transportation Committee. The measure would support safer transportation options for Californians by requiring the Department of Transportation to appoint an advisor on issues specifically related to bicycle issues and safety.
“When we plan and implement transportation policies, it’s important that we are safeguarding cyclist and pedestrian safety,” commented Senator Portantino. “Having someone at Caltrans solely focus on the needs of cycling communities and tasked with implementing safe street policies just makes sense.”
The California Department of Transportation includes the Bicycle Facilities Unit (BFU). This unit is responsible for coordinating all aspects of Caltrans bicycle programs, promoting well designed bicycle facilities, and cultivating the funding, regulations, and education that makes these facilities possible. Currently, there is no specialized department chair who can advise the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on issues related to bicycle transportation.
SB 538 would require the director of the California Department of Transportation to appoint a Chief Advisor on Cycling and Active Transportation, who shall serve as the department’s chief advisor on all issues related to bicycle transportation, safety, and infrastructure.
“Our goal with this bill is to shape Caltrans to be inclusive and representative of all mobility options,” stated Marc Vukcevich, State Policy Advocate for Streets for All. “By having a Chief Advisor on Bicycling and Active Transportation, there would be a position that can have a voice at the table to improve bike and pedestrian safety across the state. This person will have the authority, expertise, purview, and staff needed to protect vulnerable road users at a time when we are at a 40-year high of pedestrian fatalities. We look forward to getting SB 538 on the Governor’s desk.”
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