There were two bills introduced in the California Legislature in January relating to biking.  The first was AB 28, requiring rear-facing white flashing lights when riding at night, and AB 157, which would fast-track the addition of a bike lane to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge (as well as the addition of a third lane for cars in the eastbound direction).

AB 28 (Chu) – Rear-Facing White Flashing Lights

AB 28 was introduced by Assembly Member Kansen Chu of Assembly District 25.  AB 28 would require cyclists to use a rear-facing white flashing light when riding at night, or else wear reflective gear.  Current law only requires a red reflector.  It’s a bit odd that AB 28 requires a white light, rather than a red light.  I’ve rarely (if ever) seen someone riding with a rear-facing flashing white light.  And a quick search on Amazon for “rear bicycle light” confirms that at least Amazon agrees with me that that term means a red light.  Beyond that, there are those who think that the blinking lights are less safe because they distract drivers and are just plain annoying.  Perhaps Assembly Member Chu knows something we do not?  AB 28 has been referred to the Committee on Transportation.  I’ll provide an update if the bill moves along any further in the process.

AB 157 (Levine) – Fast-Tracking Additions to Richmond-San Rafael Bridge

AB 157 was introduced by Assembly Member Marc Levine of Assembly District 10.  AB 157 seeks to fast-track the addition of a third lane for eastbound car traffic on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge and would also fast-track the addition of a bike and pedestrian lane on the unused portion of the westbound level of the bridge.  Assembly Member Levine’s legislation would require the design stage of these projects to occur simultaneous with the environmental review process, a step that could speed up the project by as much as 18 months.  We’d still be a long way off from a completed bike lane on the bridge.  But coupling this news with the Bay Area Toll Authority’s renewed interest in adding bike and pedestrian access to the Bay Bridge western span means we’re edging closer and closer to a day in which we can ride from San Francisco to Marin to the East Bay and back again, and still be home in time for dinner.  Wouldn’t that be nice?