Bill Text: HI HB2679 | 2010 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Transportation; Hybrid Bicycles; Bicycles
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2010-02-05 - (H) Passed Second Reading and referred to the committee(s) on JUD with none voting no (0) and M. Lee, McKelvey excused (2). [HB2679 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2010-HB2679-Introduced.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2679 |
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TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to hybrid bicycles.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the rising cost of petroleum-derived fuels has caused people worldwide to seek alternative modes of transportation that are less dependent on petroleum-derived fuels. Traditional bicycles, those powered solely by human power, are a healthy and clean alternative to vehicles that are powered by internal combustion engines. However, traditional bicycles that are powered solely by human muscle power may not be an attractive transportation alternative, particularly for commuters who have relatively long distances to travel.
Advancements in technology have made it possible to design and manufacture bicycles with electric motors and batteries to either supplement or to fully drive bicycles, making it possible for riders to cover longer distances. Hybrid bicycles incorporating new technology are very similar in size and weight to traditional bicycles. These advancements make hybrid bicycles a viable transportation alternative for many people. The legislature notes that the popularity of hybrid bicycles is rising throughout Asia and increasing on the European continent, and it is anticipated that interest in hybrid bicycles will continue to increase.
As part of its overall policy to explore transportation alternatives and reduce dependence on imported fuels, the legislature finds that traditional and hybrid bicycles are consistent with this policy and would help advance the goals of reducing our dependency on petroleum-based fuels and promote energy diversity.
The purpose of this Act is to clarify the definition of "bicycle" to include electric motor bicycles for purposes of county vehicular taxes and the statewide traffic code, and to clarify the specifications of bicycles that may be transported on public buses.
SECTION 2. Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§291C- Bicycles carried on public buses. Buses used in public transportation systems may transport bicycles that meet the following general specifications only: a wheel base no longer than forty-four inches; tires that are 2.3 inches wide; wheel diameters of twenty inches or larger; and a total weight of no more than fifty-five pounds."
SECTION 3. Section 249-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending the definition of "bicycle" to read as follows:
""Bicycle" means every device
propelled [solely] either by human power or by electric motor
upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels sixteen inches in
diameter or greater, and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle
though equipped with two front or two rear wheels."
SECTION 4. Section 291C-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending the definition of "bicycle" to read as follows:
""Bicycle" means [every]:
(1) A vehicle propelled solely by human
power upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels, and including
any vehicle generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two front or
two rear wheels except a toy bicycle[.]; or
(2) A vehicle as described in paragraph (1) but having an electric motor that can be used to supplement human pedal power or to power the vehicle entirely."
SECTION 5. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Transportation; Hybrid Bicycles; Bicycles
Description:
Clarifies the definition of bicycle to include electric motor bicycles for purposes of county vehicular taxes and the statewide traffic code. Specifies type of bicycles to be allowed to be transported on public busses.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
