Cutter and Winter’s Bill to Fund Bike and Pedestrian Safety Infrastructure Wins Committee Approval
Legislation would fund infrastructure projects like bicycle lanes and improved sidewalks and lighting at dangerous intersections
DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee approved Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter’s, D-Broomfield, bill to provide dedicated funding for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
Deaths and serious injuries on Colorado’s roads are on the rise, felt most acutely by vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. Bicycle and pedestrian deaths reached a new all-time high in 2023 with 153 deaths, topping the previous high set just one year ago.
SB24-036 would establish a dedicated funding source to pay for proven small infrastructure projects that improve safety for vulnerable road users, such as bicycle lanes, pedestrian refuge islands in crossings, and improved sidewalks and lighting at dangerous intersections.
“Bicyclists and pedestrian deaths have spiked at an alarming rate,” said Cutter. “Our bill will support safety projects that are proven to reduce traffic deaths. When our streets are safer and friendlier, people will feel more comfortable traveling outside of a car.”
“Preventing avoidable deaths and serious injuries is a moral imperative in its own right,” Winter said. “Making these street improvements will give people safe, dignified, and low-cost alternatives to driving, which will reduce traffic, improve air quality, reduce climate pollution, and make our streets more vibrant community places.”
Revenue would be generated from a vehicle registration fee calculated based on weight and configuration. Vehicles under 3,500 pounds would be exempt, while larger and heavier vehicles would typically pay between $5 and $10 per year. The fee would only apply in the state’s twelve largest counties, with an exemption for commercial and farm vehicles.
Part of the increase in road danger is due to vehicles getting bigger and heavier. Vehicles with hood heights of 40 inches or more are on average 50 percent more likely to cause a fatality when hitting a pedestrian compared to a vehicle with hood height of 30 inches or less. Meanwhile, hood heights of passenger trucks have increased about 11 percent and their weight has increased about 25 percent since the year 2000.
SB24-036 will now move to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.