BILL ANALYSIS
SB 527
Page 1
Date of Hearing: June 22, 2009
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Mike Eng, Chair
SB 527 (Kehoe) - As Amended: May 6, 2009
SENATE VOTE : 33-1
SUBJECT : Bicycles without seats
SUMMARY : Provides an exemption to the prohibition of allowing a
person from operating a bicycle on a highway that does not have
a seat, if the bicycle is specifically designed by the
manufacturer to be ridden without a seat.
EXISTING LAW : Prohibits a person from operating or from riding
as a passenger on a bicycle on a highway unless the operator or
passenger is on or astride a permanent and regular seat
attached.
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown
COMMENTS : According to the author, this is bill is "needed to
accommodate changes in bicycle technology that allow riders to
use a bicycle without the use of a seat, as the bicycle industry
attempts to appeal to a broader group looking for alternative
exercise and recreational activities, as well as those seeking
alternative modes of transportation."
On June 4, 2009, the California Bicycle Advisory Committee
(CBAC) endorsed the use the new seatless bicycle technology for
operation upon a public highway. Formed by California
Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in 1992, CBAC is
composed of thirteen members who represent various California
agencies and organizations, including the California Highway
Patrol, select city and regional transportation agencies, and
local bicycle coalitions. CBAC provides guidance to Caltrans on
bicycle issues. Such issues often include Signal timing bicycle
lane striping, bicycles on freeways, signage, and design
standards for shared roadways.
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
SB 527
Page 2
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."
In addition to the sponsor of this bill, other manufacturers
include Street Strider International, RandyRossStepper Corp, and
FreeCross GmbH.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
ElliptiGo Incorporated (sponsor)
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by : Alejandro Esparza / TRANS. / (916)
319-2093