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Committee advances shared‑streets bill with amendment allowing CBD state highways; 16‑9 vote
Summary
Engrossed Senate Bill 5595 would allow local authorities to designate certain nonarterial streets as shared streets with a 10 mph maximum speed and specific yield rules among pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles.
Engrossed Senate Bill 5595 would authorize local authorities to designate a nonarterial street as a "shared street," where pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicular traffic may share all or part of the roadway. The bill sets a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour on shared streets, requires vehicles to yield to pedestrians, and requires bicyclists and micromobility device operators to yield to pedestrians.
Representative Timmons offered amendment H-2051.2 to authorize local authorities to designate nonarterial state highways that serve as the primary roads through a central business district as shared streets. The committee adopted that amendment. Representative Orcutt withdrew amendment H-2053.1, which would have modified the shared‑street definition to limit motor vehicle use to local access and deliveries and to prohibit through traffic; because Orcutt withdrew that amendment it was not considered.
Vice Chair Reed, who moved the engrossed bill, described it as permissive and intended to give local governments additional tools for managing streets safely in areas with high pedestrian and event activity, citing examples such as Leavenworth and Pike Place Market. Representative Timmons said the amendment was important to his district because State Route 548 serves as a main commercial street through Blaine.
Opponents and members urging caution raised concerns about limiting traffic flow and potential safety risks from mixing through motor vehicle traffic with pedestrians and bicyclists. Representative Griffey said he could not support the bill without a clearer understanding of the limitations and recommended a no vote. Representative Barcas said he had concerns about unintended consequences for bicyclist and pedestrian safety and indicated he would pursue further changes on the floor.
The committee recorded a roll‑call vote of 16 ayes, 9 nays and 2 excused. The clerk announced the final tally as 16‑9‑2. With the amendment adopted, the bill leaves committee with a due‑pass recommendation.
