Safe system approach strat.

AN ACT Relating to implementing safe system approach strategies 1
for active transportation infrastructure; amending RCW 47.30.010, 2
47.30.020, 47.30.030, 47.30.040, 46.04.160, 46.04.220, 46.61.135, 3
46.61.140, 47.04.035, 47.04.300, 47.04.380, and 47.04.430; reenacting 4
and amending RCW 47.04.010; adding a new section to chapter 46.04 5
RCW; creating a new section; and repealing RCW 46.04.118.6
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:7
PART I8
TRAILS AND SHARED-USE PATH FACILITIES9
NEW SECTION. Sec. 101. It is the intent of the legislature to 10
support a complete and comprehensive active transportation network, 11
including shared-use paths and other appropriate facilities that 12
cross jurisdictional boundaries, to promote safety, health and 13
welfare, economic vitality, social connection, and environmental 14
benefits for all Washingtonians. This declaration supports the 15
transportation system policy goals in RCW 47.04.280, vehicle miles 16
traveled reduction goals in RCW 47.01.440, greenhouse gas emissions 17
reduction goals in RCW 70A.45.020, and other statewide policy goals. 18
The department of transportation may expend reasonable amounts made 19
available from funds received under RCW 46.68.090 as necessary for 20
H-1426.1
HOUSE BILL 1992
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2025 Regular Session
By Representatives Zahn, Parshley, Reed, Pollet, and Ramel
Read first time 02/17/25. Referred to Committee on Transportation.
p. 1 HB 1992
the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of 1
active transportation facilities. 2
Sec. 102. RCW 47.30.010 and 1971 ex.s. c 130 s 1 are each 3
amended to read as follows: 4
(1) No limited access highway shall be constructed that will 5
result in the severance or destruction of an existing recreational 6
trail ((of substantial usage )) for pedestrians, equestrians , or 7
bicyclists, or shared-use path as defined in RCW 47.04.010, unless an 8
alternative recreational trail or shared-use path , satisfactory to 9
the authority having jurisdiction over the trail or shared-use path 10
being severed or destroyed, either exists or is reestablished at the 11
time the limited access highway is constructed. If a proposed limited 12
access highway will sever a planned recreational trail or shared-use 13
path, which is part of ((a comprehensive )) an active transportation 14
or trails plan ((for trails )) adopted by a state or local 15
governmental authority, and no alternative route for the planned 16
trail or shared-use path exists, which is satisfactory to the 17
authority which adopted the ((comprehensive)) plan ((for trails )), 18
the state or local agency proposing to construct the limited access 19
highway shall design the facility and acquire sufficient right-of-way 20
to accommodate future construction of the portion of the trail or 21
shared-use path, which will properly lie within the highway right-of-22
way. Thereafter when such trail or shared-use path is developed and 23
constructed by the authority having jurisdiction over the trail or 24
shared-use path, the state or local agency ((which)) that constructed 25
the limited access highway shall develop and construct the portion of 26
such trail or shared-use path lying within the right-of-way of the 27
limited access highway. 28
(2) Where a highway other than a limited access highway crosses a 29
recreational trail ((of substantial usage )) or shared-use path for 30
pedestrians, equestrians, or bicyclists, signing and consideration 31
for use of traffic control devices sufficient to ((insure)) promote 32
safety shall be provided. 33
(3) Where the construction or reconstruction of a highway other 34
than a limited access highway would destroy the usefulness of an 35
existing recreational trail ((of substantial usage )) or shared-use 36
path for pedestrians, equestrians, or bicyclists or of a planned 37
recreational trail or shared-use path for pedestrians, equestrians, 38
or bicyclists incorporated into the ((comprehensive)) adopted plans 39
p. 2 HB 1992
for trails or active transportation of the state or any of its 1
political subdivisions, replacement land, space, or facilities shall 2
be provided and where such recreational trails or shared-use paths 3
exist at the time of taking, reconstruction of said recreational 4
trails or shared-use paths shall be undertaken. 5
Sec. 103. RCW 47.30.020 and 1971 ex.s. c 130 s 2 are each 6
amended to read as follows: 7
Facilities for pedestrians, equestrians, or bicyclists shall be 8
incorporated into the design of highways and freeways along corridors 9
where such facilities do not exist upon a finding that such 10
facilities would be of joint use and conform to the ((comprehensive)) 11
adopted plans of public agencies for the development of such 12
facilities, will ((not duplicate)) provide connections to existing or 13
proposed routes, and that safety to both motorists and to 14
pedestrians, equestrians, and bicyclists would be enhanced by the 15
segregation of traffic. 16
In planning and design of all highways, every effort shall be 17
made consistent with safety to promote joint usage of rights-of-way 18
for trails and paths in accordance with the ((comprehensive)) adopted 19
plans of public agencies. 20
Sec. 104. RCW 47.30.030 and 1999 c 269 s 10 are each amended to 21
read as follows: 22
Where an existing highway severs, or where the right-of-way of an 23
existing highway accommodates a trail or shared-use path for 24
pedestrians, equestrians, or bicyclists or where the separation of 25
motor vehicle traffic from pedestrians, equestrians, or bicyclists 26
will materially increase the ((motor vehicle)) safety of users of all 27
modes of travel , the provision of facilities for pedestrians, 28
equestrians, or bicyclists , which are a part of a ((comprehensive)) 29
trail or active transportation plan adopted by federal, state, or 30
local governmental authority having jurisdiction over the trail or 31
shared-use path is hereby authorized. The department of 32
transportation, or the county or city having jurisdiction over the 33
highway, road, or street, or facility is further authorized to expend 34
reasonable amounts out of the funds made available to them, according 35
to the provisions of RCW 46.68.090, as necessary for the planning, 36
accommodation, establishment, and maintenance of such facilities.37
p. 3 HB 1992
Sec. 105. RCW 47.30.040 and 1972 ex.s. c 103 s 3 are each 1
amended to read as follows: 2
Before establishing shared-use paths and trails, the following 3
factors shall be considered: 4
(1) Public safety; 5
(2) ((The cost of such paths and trails as compared to the need 6
or probable use;7
(3))) Inclusion of the trail or shared-use path in a trail or 8
active transportation plan ((for a comprehensive trail system )) 9
adopted by a ((city or county in a state or federal trails plan )) 10
federal, state, or local government authority having jurisdiction 11
over the trail or shared-use path. 12
PART II13
ROUNDABOUTS14
NEW SECTION. Sec. 201. A new section is added to chapter 46.04 15
RCW to read as follows: 16
"Roundabout" means an intersection of two or more joining 17
highways that is characterized by a one-way traffic pattern that 18
travels counterclockwise around a central island in accordance with 19
RCW 46.61.135 and in which traffic entering the intersection must 20
yield to circulating traffic within the intersection as indicated by 21
official traffic control devices. A roundabout, including the central 22
island, circulating traffic pattern, and all connections to joining 23
highways, is a single intersection of all joining highways.24
Sec. 202. RCW 46.04.160 and 1961 c 12 s 46.04.160 are each 25
amended to read as follows: 26
(1) "Crosswalk" means the portion of the roadway between the 27
intersection area and a prolongation or connection of the farthest 28
sidewalk line or in the event there are no sidewalks then between the 29
intersection area and a line ((ten)) 10 feet therefrom, except as 30
modified by a marked crosswalk. 31
(2) In the context of a roundabout, and except as modified by a 32
marked crosswalk, "crosswalk" means the following portion of the 33
roadway:34
(a) Where an opening in a raised median is present, the portion 35
of the highway between two lines perpendicular to the center line of 36
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the highway at the nearest and farthest edges of the opening, not to 1
exceed a distance of 50 feet from the intersection area; or2
(b) In the absence of an opening in a raised median, or if no 3
raised median is present, the portion of the roadway between a line 4
perpendicular to the center line of the highway located 20 feet from 5
the outermost point of the intersection area where it intersects the 6
center line of the highway and a line 10 feet therefrom.7
Sec. 203. RCW 46.04.220 and 1975 c 62 s 4 are each amended to 8
read as follows: 9
(1) "Intersection area" means the area embraced within the 10
prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or, if none 11
then the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two or more 12
highways which join one another at, or approximately at, right 13
angles, or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different 14
highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict. In the 15
context of a roundabout, "intersection area" means the area embraced 16
within the prolongation or connection along a circular arc of the 17
outer curb lines within the roundabout, or, if there are no outer 18
curb lines, the outer boundary lines of the one-way traffic lane or 19
lanes that pass around the central island.20
(2) Where a highway includes two roadways ((thirty)) 30 feet or 21
more apart, then every crossing of each roadway of such divided 22
highway by an intersecting highway shall be regarded as a separate 23
intersection. In the event such intersecting highway also includes 24
two roadways ((thirty)) 30 feet or more apart, then every crossing of 25
two roadways of such highways shall be regarded as a separate 26
intersection. 27
(3) The junction of an alley with a street or highway shall not 28
constitute an intersection. 29
Sec. 204. RCW 47.04.010 and 2023 c 431 s 11 are each reenacted 30
and amended to read as follows: 31
The following words and phrases, wherever used in this title, 32
shall have the meaning as in this section ascribed to them, unless 33
where used the context thereof shall clearly indicate to the contrary 34
or unless otherwise defined in the chapter of which they are a part:35
(1) "Active transportation" includes forms of pedestrian mobility 36
including walking or running, the use of a mobility assistive device 37
such as a wheelchair, bicycling and cycling irrespective of the 38
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number of wheels, and the use of small personal devices such as foot 1
scooters or skateboards. Active transportation includes both 2
traditional and electric-assisted bicycles and other devices. 3
Planning for active transportation must consider and address 4
accommodation pursuant to the Americans with disabilities act and the 5
distinct needs of each form of active transportation;6
(2) "Alley." A highway within the ordinary meaning of alley not 7
designated for general travel and primarily used as a means of access 8
to the rear of residences and business establishments;9
(3) "Arterial highway." Every highway, as herein defined, or 10
portion thereof designated as such by proper authority;11
(4) "Business district." The territory contiguous to and 12
including a highway, as herein defined, when within any 600 feet 13
along such highway there are buildings in use for business or 14
industrial purposes including, but not limited to, hotels, banks, or 15
office buildings, railroad stations, and public buildings which 16
occupy at least 300 feet of frontage on one side or 300 feet 17
collectively on both sides of the highway; 18
(5) "Center line." The line, marked or unmarked parallel to and 19
equidistant from the sides of a two-way traffic roadway of a highway 20
except where otherwise indicated by painted lines or markers;21
(6) "Center of intersection." The point of intersection of the 22
center lines of the roadways of intersecting highways;23
(7) "City street." Every highway as herein defined, or part 24
thereof located within the limits of incorporated cities and towns, 25
except alleys; 26
(8) "Combination of vehicles." Every combination of motor vehicle 27
and motor vehicle, motor vehicle and trailer, or motor vehicle and 28
semitrailer; 29
(9) "Commercial vehicle." Any vehicle the principal use of which 30
is the transportation of commodities, merchandise, produce, freight, 31
animals, or passengers for hire; 32
(10) "Complete streets" means an approach to planning, designing, 33
building, operating, and maintaining streets that enable safe access 34
along and across the street for all people, including pedestrians, 35
bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. 36
It incorporates principles of a safe system approach;37
(11) "County road." Every highway as herein defined, or part 38
thereof, outside the limits of incorporated cities and towns and 39
which has not been designated as a state highway, or branch thereof;40
p. 6 HB 1992
(12) "Crosswalk." The portion of the roadway between the 1
intersection area and a prolongation or connection of the farthest 2
sidewalk line or in the event there are no sidewalks then between the 3
intersection area and a line ((ten)) 10 feet therefrom, except as 4
modified by a marked crosswalk . In the context of a roundabout, and 5
except as modified by a marked crosswalk, "crosswalk" also means the 6
following portion of the roadway:7
(a) Where an opening in a raised median is present, the portion 8
of the highway between two lines perpendicular to the center line of 9
the highway at the nearest and farthest edges of an opening in a 10
raised median island if present, not to exceed a distance of 50 feet 11
from the intersection area.12
(b) In the absence of an opening in a raised median, or if no 13
raised median is present, the portion of the roadway between a line 14
perpendicular to the center line of the highway located 20 feet from 15
the outermost point of the intersection area where it intersects the 16
center line of the highway and a line 10 feet therefrom;17
(13) "Highway." Every way, lane, road, street, boulevard, and 18
every way or place in the state of Washington open as a matter of 19
right to public vehicular travel both inside and outside the limits 20
of incorporated cities and towns; 21
(14) "Intersection area." (a) The area embraced within the 22
prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or, if none, 23
then the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two or more 24
highways which join one another at, or approximately at, right 25
angles, or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different 26
highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict;27
(b) In the context of a roundabout, the area embraced within the 28
prolongation or connection along a circular arc of the outer curb 29
lines within the roundabout, or, if there are no outer curb lines, 30
the outer boundary lines of the one-way traffic lane or lanes that 31
pass around the central island;32
(c) Where a highway includes two roadways 30 feet or more apart, 33
then every crossing of each roadway of such divided highway by an 34
intersecting highway shall be regarded as a separate intersection. In 35
the event such intersecting highway also includes two roadways 30 36
feet or more apart, then every crossing of two roadways of such 37
highways shall be regarded as a separate intersection;38
(((c))) (d) The junction of an alley with a street or highway 39
shall not constitute an intersection; 40
p. 7 HB 1992
(15) "Intersection control area." The intersection area as herein 1
defined, together with such modification of the adjacent roadway area 2
as results from the arc or curb corners and together with any marked 3
or unmarked crosswalks adjacent to the intersection;4
(16) "Laned highway." A highway the roadway of which is divided 5
into clearly marked lanes for vehicular traffic; 6
(17) "Local authorities." Every county, municipal, or other local 7
public board or body having authority to adopt local police 8
regulations under the Constitution and laws of this state;9
(18) "Marked crosswalk." Any portion of a roadway distinctly 10
indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the 11
surface thereof; 12
(19) "Metal tire." Every tire, the bearing surface of which in 13
contact with the highway is wholly or partly of metal or other hard, 14
nonresilient material; 15
(20) "Motor truck." Any motor vehicle, as herein defined, 16
designed or used for the transportation of commodities, merchandise, 17
produce, freight, or animals; 18
(21) "Motor vehicle." Every vehicle, as herein defined, which is 19
in itself a self-propelled unit; 20
(22) "Multiple lane highway." Any highway the roadway of which is 21
of sufficient width to reasonably accommodate two or more separate 22
lanes of vehicular traffic in the same direction, each lane of which 23
shall be not less than the maximum legal vehicle width, and whether 24
or not such lanes are marked; 25
(23) "Operator." Every person who drives or is in actual physical 26
control of a vehicle as herein defined; 27
(24) "Peace officer." Any officer authorized by law to execute 28
criminal process or to make arrests for the violation of the statutes 29
generally or of any particular statute or statutes relative to the 30
highways of this state; 31
(25) "Pedestrian." Any person afoot or who is using a wheelchair, 32
power wheelchair as defined in RCW 46.04.415, or a means of 33
conveyance propelled by human power other than a bicycle;34
(26) "Person." Every natural person, firm, copartnership, 35
corporation, association, or organization; 36
(27) "Personal wireless service." Any federally licensed personal 37
wireless service; 38
(28) "Personal wireless service facilities." Unstaffed facilities 39
that are used for the transmission or reception, or both, of personal 40
p. 8 HB 1992
wireless services including, but not necessarily limited to, antenna 1
arrays, transmission cables, equipment shelters, and support 2
structures; 3
(29) "Pneumatic tires." Every tire of rubber or other resilient 4
material designed to be inflated with compressed air to support the 5
load thereon; 6
(30) "Population center" includes incorporated cities and towns, 7
including their urban growth areas, and census-designated places;8
(31) "Private road or driveway." Every way or place in private 9
ownership and used for travel of vehicles by the owner or those 10
having express or implied permission from the owner, but not by other 11
persons; 12
(32) "Railroad." A carrier of persons or property upon vehicles, 13
other than streetcars, operated upon stationary rails, the route of 14
which is principally outside incorporated cities and towns;15
(33) "Railroad sign or signal." Any sign, signal, or device 16
erected by authority of a public body or official or by a railroad 17
and intended to give notice of the presence of railroad tracks or the 18
approach of a railroad train; 19
(34) "Residence district." The territory contiguous to and 20
including the highway, as herein defined, not comprising a business 21
district, as herein defined, when the property on such highway for a 22
continuous distance of 300 feet or more on either side thereof is in 23
the main improved with residences or residences and buildings in use 24
for business; 25
(35) "Roadway." The paved, improved, or proper driving portion of 26
a highway designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel;27
(36) "Roundabout." An intersection of two or more joining 28
highways that is characterized by a one-way traffic pattern that 29
travels counterclockwise around a central island in accordance with 30
RCW 46.61.135 and in which traffic entering the intersection must 31
yield to circulating traffic within the intersection as indicated by 32
official traffic control devices. A roundabout, including the central 33
island, circulating traffic pattern, and all connections to joining 34
highways, is a single intersection of all joining highways;35
(37) "Safe system approach" means an internationally recognized 36
holistic and proactive approach to road safety intended to 37
systematically reduce fatal and serious injury crash potential; as 38
described by the federal highway administration, the approach is 39
based on the following elements: Safe roads, safe speeds, safe 40
p. 9 HB 1992
vehicles, safe road users, and postcrash care. The safe system 1
approach is incorporated through policies and practices of state 2
agencies and local governments with appropriate jurisdiction;3
(((37))) (38) "Safety zone." The area or space officially set 4
apart within a roadway for the exclusive use of pedestrians and which 5
is protected or is marked or indicated by painted marks, signs, 6
buttons, standards, or otherwise so as to be plainly discernible;7
(((38))) (39) "Shared-use path," also known as a "multiuse path," 8
means a facility designed for active transportation use and 9
physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic within the 10
highway right-of-way or on an exclusive right-of-way with minimal 11
crossflow by motor vehicles. Shared-use paths are primarily used by 12
pedestrians and people using bicycles or micromobility devices, 13
including those who use nonmotorized or motorized wheeled mobility or 14
assistive devices. With appropriate design considerations, 15
equestrians may also be accommodated by a shared-use path facility;16
(((39))) (40) "Sidewalk." That property between the curb lines or 17
the lateral lines of a roadway, as herein defined, and the adjacent 18
property, set aside and intended for the use of pedestrians or such 19
portion of private property parallel and in proximity to a highway 20
and dedicated to use by pedestrians; 21
(((40))) (41) "Solid tire." Every tire of rubber or other 22
resilient material which does not depend upon inflation with 23
compressed air for the support of the load thereon;24
(((41))) (42) "State highway." Every highway as herein defined, 25
or part thereof, which has been designated as a state highway, or 26
branch thereof, by legislative enactment; 27
(((42))) (43) "Streetcar." A vehicle other than a train, as 28
herein defined, for the transporting of persons or property and 29
operated upon stationary rails principally within incorporated cities 30
and towns; 31
(((43))) (44) "Structurally deficient." A state bridge that is 32
classified as in poor condition under the state bridge condition 33
rating system and is reported by the state to the national bridge 34
inventory as having a deck, superstructure, or substructure rating of 35
four or below. Structurally deficient bridges are characterized by 36
deteriorated conditions of significant bridge elements and 37
potentially reduced load carrying capacity. Bridges deemed 38
structurally deficient typically require significant maintenance and 39
p. 10 HB 1992
repair to remain in service, and require major rehabilitation or 1
replacement to address the underlying deficiency; 2
(((44))) (45) "Traffic." Pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, 3
vehicles, streetcars, and other conveyances either singly or together 4
while using any highways for purposes of travel; 5
(((45))) (46) "Traffic control signal." Any traffic device, as 6
herein defined, whether manually, electrically, or mechanically 7
operated, by which traffic alternately is directed to stop or proceed 8
or otherwise controlled; 9
(((46))) (47) "Traffic devices ((.))" or "traffic control 10
devices." All signs, signals, markings, and devices not inconsistent 11
with this title placed or erected by authority of a public body or 12
official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning, 13
or guiding traffic; 14
(((47))) (48) "Train." A vehicle propelled by steam, electricity, 15
or other motive power with or without cars coupled thereto, operated 16
upon stationary rails, except streetcars; 17
(((48))) (49) "Vehicle." Every device capable of being moved upon 18
a highway and in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may 19
be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting power wheelchairs, 20
as defined in RCW 46.04.415, or devices moved by human or animal 21
power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.22
Words and phrases used herein in the past, present, or future 23
tense shall include the past, present, and future tenses; words and 24
phrases used herein in the masculine, feminine, or neuter gender 25
shall include the masculine, feminine, and neuter genders; and words 26
and phrases used herein in the singular or plural shall include the 27
singular and plural; unless the context thereof shall indicate to the 28
contrary. 29
Sec. 205. RCW 46.61.135 and 1984 c 7 s 64 are each amended to 30
read as follows: 31
(1) The state department of transportation and the local 32
authorities with respect to highways under their respective 33
jurisdictions may designate any highway, roadway, part of a roadway, 34
or specific lanes upon which vehicular traffic shall proceed in one 35
direction at all or such times as shall be indicated by official 36
traffic control devices. 37
p. 11 HB 1992
(2) Upon a roadway so designated for one-way traffic, a vehicle 1
shall be driven only in the direction designated at all or such times 2
as shall be indicated by official traffic control devices.3
(3) A vehicle passing around a roundabout or rotary traffic 4
island shall be driven only to the right of such island.5
Sec. 206. RCW 46.61.140 and 2020 c 199 s 2 are each amended to 6
read as follows: 7
Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly 8
marked lanes for traffic the following rules in addition to all 9
others consistent herewith shall apply: 10
(1) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely 11
within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the 12
driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with 13
safety. 14
(2) Upon a roadway , which is divided into three lanes and 15
provides for two-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall not be 16
driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another 17
vehicle traveling in the same direction when such center lane is 18
clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for making 19
a left turn or where such center lane is at the time allocated 20
exclusively to traffic moving in the same direction that the vehicle 21
is proceeding and such allocation is designated by official traffic-22
control devices. 23
(3) Official traffic-control devices may be erected directing 24
slow moving or other specified traffic to use a designated lane or 25
designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular 26
direction regardless of the center of the roadway and drivers of 27
vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device.28
(4) Official traffic-control devices may be installed prohibiting 29
the changing of lanes on sections of roadway and drivers of vehicles 30
shall obey the directions of every such device. 31
(5) Pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the operator of a 32
commercial motor vehicle as defined in RCW 46.25.010 may, with due 33
regard for all other traffic, deviate from the lane in which the 34
operator is driving to the extent necessary to approach and drive 35
through a ((circular intersection)) roundabout. 36
NEW SECTION. Sec. 207. RCW 46.04.118 (Circular intersection) 37
and 2020 c 199 s 1 are each repealed.38
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PART III1
COMPLETE STREETS2
Sec. 301. RCW 47.04.035 and 2022 c 182 s 418 are each amended to 3
read as follows: 4
(1) In order to improve the safety, mobility, and accessibility 5
of state highways, it is the intent of the legislature that the 6
department must incorporate the principles of complete streets with 7
facilities that provide street access with all users in mind, 8
including pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transportation users, 9
notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 47.24.020 concerning 10
responsibility beyond the curb of state rights-of-way. As such, state 11
transportation projects starting design on or after July 1, 2022, and 12
that are $500,000 or more, must: 13
(a) Identify those locations on state rights-of-way that do not 14
have a complete and Americans with disabilities act accessible 15
sidewalk or shared-use path, that do not have bicycle facilities in 16
the form of a bike lane or adjacent parallel trail or shared-use 17
path, that have such facilities on a state route within a population 18
center that has a posted speed in excess of 30 miles per hour and no 19
buffer or physical separation from vehicular traffic for pedestrians 20
and bicyclists, and/or that have a design that hampers the ability of 21
motorists to see a crossing pedestrian with sufficient time to stop 22
given posted speed limits and roadway configuration;23
(b) Consult with local jurisdictions to confirm ((existing)): 24
Existing and planned active transportation connections along or 25
across the location; any existing or planned active transportation 26
facilities on local routes that provide access to the same 27
destinations as the state route; identification of connections to 28
existing and planned public transportation services, ferry landings, 29
commuter and passenger rail, and airports; the existing and planned 30
facility type (s) within the local jurisdiction that connect to the 31
location; and the potential use of speed management techniques to 32
minimize crash exposure and severity; 33
(c) Adjust the speed limit to a lower speed with appropriate 34
modifications to roadway design and operations to achieve the desired 35
operating speed in those locations where this speed management 36
approach aligns with local plans or ordinances, particularly in those 37
contexts that present a higher possibility of serious injury or fatal 38
crashes occurring based on land use context, observed crash data, 39
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crash potential, roadway characteristics that are likely to increase 1
exposure, or a combination thereof, in keeping with a safe system 2
approach and with the intention of ultimately eliminating serious and 3
fatal crashes; ((and))4
(d) Plan, design, and construct facilities providing context-5
sensitive solutions that contribute to network connectivity and 6
safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and people accessing public 7
transportation and other modal connections, such facilities to 8
include Americans with disabilities act accessible sidewalks or 9
shared-use paths, bicyclist facilities, and crossings as needed to 10
integrate the state route into the local network; and11
(e) Identify any existing or planned active transportation 12
facility on publicly owned or tribally owned property. If the 13
department determines that such facility will provide equivalent or 14
better access to the same destinations, the department may, subject 15
to a cooperative agreement with the jurisdiction or tribe having 16
responsibility for that facility, identify that facility as an 17
appropriate active transportation network connection providing 18
mitigation in lieu of fulfillment of the complete streets requirement 19
on state rights-of-way. The following conditions must apply for such 20
an agreement to be considered:21
(i) The facility is identified in an adopted local or tribal 22
active transportation plan, trails plan, or other relevant plan, or 23
community engagement specific to the corridor is undertaken that 24
engages users of the facility most directly impacted by the decisions 25
and that provides the basis for a future update to the local plan;26
(ii) The facility considered as an alternative must meet or 27
exceed the department's standards for design in compliance with this 28
section;29
(iii) The jurisdiction or tribe having responsibility for the 30
facility ensures the real property is free of encumbrances, including 31
utilities; and32
(iv) The facility must provide equivalent or better safety 33
improvements in decreasing the exposure, likelihood, and severity of 34
crashes involving vulnerable road users. 35
(2)(a) If the cost of financial participation in construction or 36
improvements needed to meet the requirements of subsection (1)(e)(ii) 37
of this section is deemed reasonable by the department, and if use of 38
state funds does not supplant programmed funding previously committed 39
to the project, the department may use funds for the complete streets 40
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project to participate in the project on the local or tribal system 1
and to construct and provide necessary wayfinding connections from 2
the state highway to the local or tribal facility. Upon completion of 3
the project, any improvements are the ongoing responsibility of the 4
local jurisdiction or tribe, which is responsible for maintaining the 5
quality of facilities identified in the agreement under subsection 6
(1)(e) of this section. 7
(b) The department may exercise the discretion provided under 8
this section only in circumstances where: Available state rights-of-9
way do not reasonably permit construction of an adequate facility; an 10
appropriate facility exists or may be constructed within a local 11
jurisdiction or tribal lands within a timely manner; completion of or 12
connection to the local or tribal facility provides active 13
transportation connectivity sooner than completion of the state 14
highway project under consideration; or the local jurisdiction or 15
tribe has proposed such improvements as an alternative.16
(c) Nothing in this section prevents the department from 17
considering future improvements within state rights-of-way in the 18
project vicinity.19
(3) Projects undertaken for emergent work required to reopen a 20
state highway in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency 21
repair are not required to comply with the provisions of this 22
section. 23
(((3))) (4) Maintenance of facilities constructed under this 24
provision shall be as provided under existing law.25
(((4))) (5) The department may expend reasonable amounts made 26
available from funds received under RCW 46.68.090 as necessary for 27
the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of 28
active transportation facilities under this section. This may include 29
consideration of participation in local agency or tribal projects 30
involving state rights-of-way to satisfy complete streets design 31
requirements, subject to a cooperative agreement as described in 32
subsection (1)(e) of this section.33
(6) This section does not create a private right of action.34
(7) For purposes of this section, "tribe" or "tribal" means and 35
refers to Indian tribe as defined in RCW 43.376.010.36
Sec. 302. RCW 47.04.300 and 2009 c 392 s 1 are each amended to 37
read as follows: 38
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(1) Concurrent with the federal safe, accountable, flexible, 1
efficient transportation equity act of 2005, a safe routes to school 2
program is established within the department. The purpose of the 3
program is to: 4
(((1))) (a) Enable and encourage children, including those with 5
disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school; 6
(((2))) (b) Make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more 7
appealing transportation alternative, encouraging a healthy and 8
active lifestyle from an early age; and 9
(((3))) (c) Facilitate the planning, development, and 10
implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety 11
and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the 12
vicinity of schools. 13
(2) The department may require recipients of funds under the safe 14
routes to school program to comply with the complete streets 15
requirements in RCW 47.04.035 for changes on state rights-of-way.16
Sec. 303. RCW 47.04.380 and 2024 c 106 s 1 are each amended to 17
read as follows: 18
(1) The legislature finds that many communities across Washington 19
state have not equitably benefited from investments in the active 20
transportation network. The legislature also finds that legacy state 21
transportation facilities designed primarily for vehicle use caused 22
disconnections in safe routes for people who walk, bike, and roll to 23
work and to carry out other daily activities. 24
(2) To address these investment gaps, and to honor the legacy of 25
community advocacy of Sandy Williams, the Sandy Williams connecting 26
communities program is established within the department. The purpose 27
of the program is to improve active transportation connectivity in 28
communities by: 29
(a) Providing safe, continuous routes for pedestrians, 30
bicyclists, and other nonvehicle users carrying out their daily 31
activities; 32
(b) Mitigating for the health, safety, and access impacts of 33
transportation infrastructure that bisects communities and creates 34
obstacles in the local active transportation network;35
(c) Investing in greenways providing protected routes for a wide 36
variety of nonvehicular users; and 37
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(d) Facilitating the planning, development, and implementation of 1
projects and activities that will improve the connectivity and safety 2
of the active transportation network. 3
(3) The department must select projects to propose to the 4
legislature for funding. In selecting projects, the department must 5
consider, at a minimum, the following criteria: 6
(a) Access to a transit facility, community facility, commercial 7
center, or community-identified assets; 8
(b) The use of minority and women-owned businesses and community-9
based organizations in planning, community engagement, design, and 10
construction of the project; 11
(c) Whether the project will serve: 12
(i) Overburdened communities as defined in RCW 70A.02.010 to mean 13
a geographic area where vulnerable populations face combined, 14
multiple environmental harms and health impacts, and includes, but is 15
not limited to, highly impacted communities as defined in RCW 16
19.405.020; 17
(ii) Vulnerable populations as defined in RCW 70A.02.010 to mean 18
population groups that are more likely to be at higher risk for poor 19
health outcomes in response to environmental harms, due to adverse 20
socioeconomic factors, such as unemployment, high housing, and 21
transportation costs relative to income, limited access to nutritious 22
food and adequate health care, linguistic isolation, and other 23
factors that negatively affect health outcomes and increase 24
vulnerability to the effects of environmental harms; and sensitivity 25
factors, such as low birth weight and higher rates of 26
hospitalization. Vulnerable populations include, but are not limited 27
to: Racial or ethnic minorities, low-income populations, populations 28
disproportionately impacted by environmental harms, and populations 29
of workers experiencing environmental harms; 30
(iii) Household incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal 31
poverty level; and 32
(iv) People with disabilities; 33
(d) Environmental health disparities, such as those indicated by 34
the diesel pollution burden portion of the Washington environmental 35
health disparities map developed by the department of health, or 36
other similar indicators; 37
(e) Location on or adjacent to tribal lands or locations 38
providing essential services to tribal members; 39
(f) Crash experience involving pedestrians and bicyclists; and40
p. 17 HB 1992
(g) Identified need by the community, for example in the state 1
active transportation plan or a regional, county, or community plan.2
(4) It is the intent of the legislature that the Sandy Williams 3
connecting communities program comply with the requirements of 4
chapter 314, Laws of 2021. 5
(5) The department may require recipients of funds under the 6
Sandy Williams connecting communities program to comply with the 7
complete streets requirements in RCW 47.04.035 for changes on state 8
rights-of-way.9
(6) The department shall submit a report to the transportation 10
committees of the legislature by December 1, 2022, and each December 11
1st thereafter identifying the selected connecting communities 12
projects for funding by the legislature. The report must also include 13
the status of previously funded projects. 14
Sec. 304. RCW 47.04.430 and 2023 c 447 s 5 are each amended to 15
read as follows: 16
(1) The department shall create a bicyclist and pedestrian grant 17
program to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety and mobility and 18
increase active transportation trips. 19
(2) Project types may include, but are not limited to, bicycle 20
facilities such as buffered bike lanes, pedestrian facilities such as 21
sidewalks, crossing improvements for people who walk and roll, and 22
speed management. 23
(3) The department may require recipients of funds under the 24
bicyclist and pedestrian grant program to comply with the complete 25
streets requirements in RCW 47.04.035 for changes on state rights-of-26
way.27
(4) The department shall report on an annual basis the status of 28
projects funded as part of the bicyclist and pedestrian grant and 29
safe routes to school grant programs. The report must include, but is 30
not limited to, a list of projects selected and a brief description 31
of each project's status. 32
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