HF1804

This bill proposes amendments to Minnesota's transportation laws, focusing on active transportation, pedestrian and cyclist protections, and electric-assisted bicycle rebates. Key provisions in the bill include:

1. Crosswalk Definition Update: Expands the legal definition of a crosswalk to include areas used by bikeways and public trails or paths.

2. Speed Limit Modifications:

   • Establishes a 15 mph speed limit in school zones.
   • 25 mph speed limits in residential areas and 35 mph in rural residential districts, if adopted by the road authority.
   • Adds provisions for signage requirements to enforce these speed limits.
   • Increases penalties for drivers exceeding speed limits by 20 mph or more.

3. Strengthened Pedestrian Right-of-Way Protections:

   • Requires vehicles to fully stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
   • Prohibits overtaking and passing vehicles stopped for pedestrians.
   • Makes it illegal to drive through groups of school children or past school safety patrol members or crossing guards when they are directing traffic.
   • Increases penalties for repeat offenders of pedestrian right-of-way violations.

4. Electric-Assisted Bicycle Rebate:

   • Modifies eligibility and rebate amounts for purchasing electric-assisted bicycles.

5. Rulemaking Authorization: The bill grants authority for additional administrative rules related to these changes.

The bill was introduced by Representative Koegel, read for the first time, and referred to the Committee on Transportation Finance and Policy.