AZ BIKE BILLS PUTTING CYCLISTS AT THE BACK OF THE PACK
AZ BIKE BILLS PUTTING CYCLISTS AT THE BACK OF THE PACK
If the State of Arizona pulls funding assistance for biking and walking pathways, what will that mean for residents and visitors to the West Valley?
As the West Valley continues to mourn the horrific killing of two cyclists and injury of more than a dozen others… we’re taking a look at bills working their way through the state legislature.
I’m about as conservative as you can get. But I’ve also got common sense. Arizona’s tax structure is set up in a way where its decisions deeply affect towns and cities. And what’s going through the #AZLeg right now will adversely impact local fire and police services. Here’s how the trickle down decisions go…
We found out about various bills affecting the cycling community in research through the League of American Bicyclists.
“The League of American Bicyclists is proud to support actions at the federal, state, and local level to build a Bicycle Friendly America for Everyone.” Please visit the bikeleague.org’s Arizona action page to find out more.
The organization points to these three pieces of legislation which they claim “turn back the clock” on years of progress making “Arizona a safer and easier place for people to bike.”
These three bills would limit and cut funding for building better, safer places to bike and walk:
SB1697 would prohibit the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) from building bicycle paths and pedestrian walkways
SB1313 would remove the requirement that bicycling be included in municipal General Plans, meaning all future development in Arizona could lack accommodations for people who bike
SB1122 would change the funding rules relating to Maricopa County SALES tax, thereby removing locals’ ability to fund specific infrastructure projects, such as biking and walking related projects
1. SB1697 - The Arizona Department of Transportation would not accept any federal money for highway/state route construction if the acceptance requires bicycle paths or pedestrian walkways in the project.
Let’s take a look at the arguments for and against SB1697. You can find video of the last discussion of the bill here.
The legislation’s author, Arizona State Senator Jake Hoffman (R-Queen Creek), argues the Arizona Department of Transportation [ADOT] should be focused on moving the greatest amount of people from point A to point B as quickly as possible. His legislation would reject any federal funds for highways and state routes requiring ADOT to construct walking/cycling paths and overpasses.
Senator Hoffman states construction of these pathways serves few people and should be the financial responsibility of regional partners or the municipality within the jurisdiction. Essentially, Sen. Hoffman states his bill calls for local cities to foot the bill to pay for biking/walking paths in their local area.
Here’s how the bill reads. The Arizona Department of Transportation would not accept any federal money for highway/state route construction if the acceptance requires bicycle paths or pedestrian walkways in the project.
2. SB1313 - Removes bicycling provisions as a requirement in planning agencies’ General Plans.
Senator Jake Hoffman’s next proposal is to remove bike routes, bike parking areas, and bike street crossing areas as a required element in General Plans.
Planning agencies, such as cities, are mandated by law to submit a General Plan to the State of Arizona which includes community goals and development plans… such as bike routes.
This bill removes the bicycling facilities element altogether.
Check out the ADOT video regarding this legislation here.
Senator Hoffman explains he’s served on a town council and his bill “protects the primary motivation for Arizona transportation infrastructure investments.”
Arguments in favor of SB1313 - made by Aimee Yentes of The Arizona Free Enterprise Club - explain additional biking lanes may increase emergency response times by impeding emergency vehicles to “get around.” Condensing streets makes it more challenging for fire trucks to make turns and make firefighting more difficult when raising aerial ladders.
Aimee Yentes of The Arizona Free Enterprise Club speaks in favor of SB1313
Most of today’s developers include biking and hiking trail networks throughout the City of Goodyear.
In south Goodyear, Estrella Mountain Ranch, people from around the world come to visit and enjoy all the Estrella’s have to offer.
But safety continues to be a concern.
ARIZONA BICYCLE CRASH FACTS 2021
With the number of cycling crashes back on the rise, should Arizona pull funding from construction of additional bike paths and walkways?
On Monday, May 27th, I took these concerns to Goodyear City Council.
Mayor Joe Pizzillo responded, “Thank you for bringing those bills. I was unaware of those bills down there... There's constant bills down there trying to take funding away from us which impacts what you're praising tonight as police and fire.“
Just today, this… at the state senate level.
Note: Food tax dollars are used by AZ cities to fund police and fire services. While I adocated for lowering the food tax while I was on the Goodyear Council in 2012-13, it’s becoming clear why there’s a need for this unfortunate tax. It’s tied to local safety services.
What will happen to cities with “healthy, active living policies” and for those who like to take part in all of Arizona’s beautiful outdoor offerings?
How will cities react to losing the food tax?
You can follow all legislation up for consideration through the State of Arizona here. The bottom line? Funding and responsibility. How should your tax dollars be raised and spent? YOU have a say!