BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center C.S.H.B. 3665 87R26310 MP-D By: Ordaz Perez (Blanco) Transportation 5/19/2021 Committee Report (Substituted) AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Concerns have been raised regarding the narrow definition of a bicycle for purposes of the state transportation law. It has been suggested that the current definition, which is used to enforce rules of the road, does not account for modifications to bicycles designed for use by riders with disabilities. H.B. 3665 seeks to make adaptive bicycles designed for these riders street legal by clarifying ambiguity with regard to the current definition of bicycle. (Original Author's / Sponsor's Statement of Intent) C.S.H.B. 3665 amends current law relating to expanding the definition of bicycle to include devices with more than two wheels, including to accommodate modifications necessary for adaptive riding by persons with disabilities. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 541.201(2), Transportation Code, as follows: (2) Redefines "bicycle" for purposes of Subtitle C (Rules of the Road) to mean a device, excluding a moped, that is capable of being ridden solely using human power and has either: (A) two tandem wheels at least one of which is more than 14 inches in diameter; (B) three wheels, two of which are in parallel, and at least one of the three wheels is more than 14 inches in diameter; or (C) any number of wheels and adaptive technology that allows the device to be ridden by a person with a disability. Makes conforming and nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2021.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.H.B. 3665
87R26310 MP-D By: Ordaz Perez (Blanco)
Transportation
5/19/2021
Committee Report (Substituted)
Senate Research Center
C.S.H.B. 3665
87R26310 MP-D
By: Ordaz Perez (Blanco)
Transportation
5/19/2021
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Concerns have been raised regarding the narrow definition of a bicycle for purposes of the state transportation law. It has been suggested that the current definition, which is used to enforce rules of the road, does not account for modifications to bicycles designed for use by riders with disabilities. H.B. 3665 seeks to make adaptive bicycles designed for these riders street legal by clarifying ambiguity with regard to the current definition of bicycle.
(Original Author's / Sponsor's Statement of Intent)
C.S.H.B. 3665 amends current law relating to expanding the definition of bicycle to include devices with more than two wheels, including to accommodate modifications necessary for adaptive riding by persons with disabilities.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 541.201(2), Transportation Code, as follows:
(2) Redefines "bicycle" for purposes of Subtitle C (Rules of the Road) to mean a device, excluding a moped, that is capable of being ridden solely using human power and has either:
(A) two tandem wheels at least one of which is more than 14 inches in diameter;
(B) three wheels, two of which are in parallel, and at least one of the three wheels is more than 14 inches in diameter; or
(C) any number of wheels and adaptive technology that allows the device to be ridden by a person with a disability.
Makes conforming and nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2021.