Bill would expand safe-system requirements to incorporate shared-use paths, trails and complete-streets flexibility

The Senate Transportation Committee heard staff and sponsor testimony on Senate Bill 5,581, which would implement "safe system" principles into state transportation projects by requiring the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to identify, consult on and incorporate bicycle and pedestrian facilities, shared-use paths and improved signage into highway and corridor design when appropriate.

Under the bill, WSDOT must reestablish severed recreational trails or design and acquire rights of way to accommodate future trail construction if a highway project would destroy or sever an existing high-usage trail. Shared-use paths are explicitly defined as facilities designed primarily for pedestrians and bicyclists, physically separated from motorized vehicles. For transportation projects estimated at $500,000 or more, WSDOT must identify locations on state rights-of-way lacking sidewalks or separation from traffic where posted speed limits exceed 30 mph and no buffer exists, and consult with local jurisdictions to confirm planned active-transportation connections.

The measure also allows WSDOT to identify local or tribal active-transportation facilities that provide "equal or better" access as mitigation in lieu of complete-streets construction on state rights-of-way, subject to cooperative agreements and community engagement, and removes a mandatory benefit-cost analysis requirement for certain trail decisions. The bill updates definitions to include roundabouts and clarifies rules of the road and crossing contexts.

Supporters, including Transportation Choices Coalition, Washington Bikes/Cascade Bicycle Club, and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, said the bill implements recommendations from the Cooper Jones Active Transportation Safety Commission and advances the state—s Target Zero safe systems approach. "Shared use pathways and trails for active transportation separate vulnerable road users from cars and trucks, and this physical separation from vehicles maximizes safety," Mark McKechnie of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission testified, noting data showing a high share of pedestrian fatalities occur outside crosswalks.

Some witnesses asked for clearer language about what constitutes an "equal or better" alternate route and urged protections so that vulnerable users are not forced onto indirect or less safe detours. WSDOT staff briefed the committee that the bill would have no fiscal impact to the agency and described exemptions for emergency and disaster-related roadwork.

Sen. Sharon Shumake, sponsor of the bill, described it as a "good government bill" that updates crosswalk and roundabout definitions and helps WSDOT work with local jurisdictions to use nearby trails and facilities to improve safety on corridors that are difficult to retrofit.

The committee took testimony and closed the public hearing; no committee vote was recorded at the hearing.