BILL ANALYSIS
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 527|
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 527
Author: Kehoe (D)
Amended: 5/6/09
Vote: 21
SENATE TRANSPORTATION & HOUSING COMM. : 9-2, 5/12/09
AYES: Lowenthal, Huff, DeSaulnier, Harman, Kehoe, Oropeza,
Pavley, Simitian, Wolk
NOES: Ashburn, Hollingsworth
SUBJECT : Bicycles without seats
SOURCE : Elliptigo Incorporated
DIGEST : This bill allows a person to operate a bicycle
on a highway that does not have a seat provided the bicycle
was specifically designed by the manufacturer to be ridden
without a seat.
ANALYSIS : The California Bicycle Advisory Commission
(CBAC) is an advisory committee formed by the California
Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in 1992 to provide
guidance to the department on bicycle issues. The
committee is composed of 13 members who represent various
agencies and organizations, including the California
Highway Patrol, select city and regional transportation
agencies, and local bicycle coalitions.
Existing law prohibits a person from operating a bicycle
and from riding as a passenger on a bicycle upon a highway
CONTINUED
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unless the operator and passenger are "upon or astride a
permanent and regular seat attached thereto."
This bill allows a person to operate a bicycle upon a
highway without a seat provided the bicycle was
specifically designed by the manufacturer to be ridden
without a seat.
Background
This bill is sponsored by Elliptigo Incorporated, which
manufactures a bicycle that is intended to emulate running
and is, according to the manufacturer, "designed to be
safely and comfortably ridden in a standing position,
obviating the need for a seat." According to the product
description, this bicycle, named the "elliptiGO glide
bike," is a "high-performance fitness device that provides
an outdoor running-like experience without the impact.
Based on the mechanics of the indoor elliptical trainer,
the glide bike uses a walking or running motion to propel
oneself on a two-wheeled platform that is similar to a
bicycle. This natural motion alleviates much of the
discomfort of conventional bicycles while enabling the
rider to engage in a low-impact, weight-bearing exercise
outdoors."
While Elliptigo Incorporated sponsors this measure, it is
not the only manufacturer of these types of devices. Other
manufacturers include Street Strider International,
RandyRossStepper Corp, and FreeCross GmbH.
FISCAL EFFECT : Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No
Local: No
SUPPORT : (Verified 5/14/09)
Elliptigo Incorporated (source)
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT : According to the author's office,
legislation will be needed pending the California Bicycle
Advisory Committee's (CBAC) review and approval of the
seatless bicycle in early June. Should CBAC endorse the
new bicycle technology, then the definition in statute will
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need to be changed in order to allow these newly classified
bicycles to be operated upon a public highway. The author
believes this bicycle will appeal to a broader group
looking for alternative exercise and recreational
activities, as well as those seeking alternative modes of
transportation.
JA:nl 5/14/09 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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