2018 – 2019
- E-Bike Bill. In 2018, BWANH, with help from People For Bikes, authored and initiated New Hampshire’s first bill clarifying the definition of electric bikes. By referencing the three nationally-recognized classifications of e-bikes that are considered “bicycles”, not “motor vehicles”, this bill seeks to clarify not only the definitions, but also the usage of e-bikes on roads, rail trails, and certain other types of infrastructure and locations intended for use by traditional bicycles. This legislation still allows restrictions to be put in place depending on the trail ownership. BWANH is happy to share that in July 2019, the New Hampshire E-Bike bill passed, and was effective as of August 18, 2019. Efforts to educate the masses about the various e-bike classes, and where they can be legally operated in New Hampshire, including educating law enforcement, legislators, bike shops, bike clubs, and the general public, continues. For more details, see our E-BIKES page under NEWS.
- Rail Trail Plan Bill. This effort began in 2017 and was approved in 2019. The bill established an Advisory Committee to work with a consultant selected by NHDOT to update a 2005 plan that includes the NH rail trail inventory, ownership, development and maintenance costs, and the positive economic impact that rail trails can bring to New Hampshire. Tourism and local economies have been proven nationally to thrive once rail trails were made available to the public. NH has nearly 300 miles of abandoned rail corridor so many opportunities exist. Major projects are now underway in all sections of the state. With the Advisory Committee including the NH Travel and Tourism Bureau, Trails Bureau, and the NH Rail Trails Coalition plus a budget of $200,000 for the plan, the benefits to NH should far outweigh the cost.
2017
- Bike Safety Bill. In 2017, BWANH successfully spearheaded a movement to craft House Bill 1731 to improve bicycle safety throughout New Hampshire. This bill updated “car-centric” language in a variety of NH RSAs, including:
- Added clarification that a motor vehicle operator may cross a double yellow line, when it is safe to do so, in order to comply with the 3-foot rule when passing a bicyclist.
- Added clarification that a bicyclist may use their right hand and arm to signal a right hand turn.
- Added clarification that bicyclists may utilize a flashing headlight. This technology enhances visibility and awareness.
This bill passed unanimously and served as an opportunity to educate a variety of state agencies about the importance of clearer laws to protect bicyclists.
2015
- Rail Trail Study Bill. This bill (known as SB 80) established a Legislative Study Committee on Rail Trails, which met several times between 2015 and 2017. Several trail groups as well as trail users provided testimony to the Committee. The committee discussed having an economic impact study incorporated into the scope of an updated trails plan. Bike-Walk of NH advocated for the trail plan update to include desired goals and metrics, and not simply be an inventory of corridors owned by the state. The Committee issued a final report in November 2016 , complete with minutes from the meetings which you can download here.
2014
- Vulnerable Road User Bill. BWANH supports the passage of a Vulnerable Road User bill to raise awareness within the motoring public of the dangers faced by those legally using the roads without the benefit of being protected by a metal car or truck body, airbags and crumple zones. Vulnerable road users are road users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, people using wheelchairs, equestrians, highway workers, public safety officials, medical first responders, motorcyclists and more.
2009
- In 2009, BWANH was instrumental in initiating and helping to pass New Hampshire’s 3-foot Law. The bill improved the verbiage specifying what is considered the appropriate, legal safe distances for motorists passing bicyclists dependent upon the speed of the passing motor traffic. Three feet clearance is considered the minimum amount of space that motorists must provide when passing bicyclists, wen the motorist is traveling at a speed of 30 MPH or less. One additional foot of clearance must be provided for every 10 MPH over 30MPH of the motor vehicle speed. For example, a motorist driving at 50 MPH must allow five feet of clearance. This is very important, especially for passing trucks, due to the wind gusts that can cause bicyclists to crash. This graduated passing distance within the NH 3-foot law has been hailed nationally as one of the best ideas to promote safer shared use of our roadways.
Creating and changing legislation in New Hampshire is exciting and important. Decide to participate in this process with Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire today. Speak with a louder voice by joining BWANH.
