SPEED LIMIT; RESTRICTED STREET OR HIGHWAY S.B. 682 (S-3):
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 682 (Substitute S-3 as reported)
Sponsor: Senator John N. Damoose
Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to prohibit an individual operating a vehicle, a bicycle, or any other device on a highway within a political subdivision that prohibited the operation of nonemergency motor vehicles by ordinance, regulation, or resolution from exceeding the following speeds:
-- 15 miles per hour.
-- Within a business district, 10 miles per hour.
An individual who violated these prohibitions would be responsible for a civil infraction.
BRIEF RATIONALE
M-185 is a State highway that circles Mackinac Island. It is the only highway in the United States on which motor vehicles are prohibited.[1] Instead, residents and tourists walk, travel by horse-drawn carriage, or bike. The use of electric bikes (e-bikes) on the Island has led to safety concerns. According to testimony, e-bikes are banned from use on the Island unless an individual has a mobility issue; however, this prohibition has proven hard to enforce. Class 1 and 2 e-bike motors can reach 20 miles per hour, while class 3 e-bike motors can reach 28 miles per hour.[2] On busy Mackinac Island, bikes reaching such speeds may cause accidents. Accordingly, it has been suggested that a bike speed limit be imposed on M-185.
Legislative Analyst: Abby Schneider
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill could have a positive fiscal impact for local governments. A civil fine, generally up to $100, could be imposed for a violation of the bill. Any revenue received from civil fines goes to help fund local and county libraries. The amount of revenue is indeterminate and depends on the number of actual violations.
Date Completed: 4-11-24 Fiscal Analyst: Joe Carrasco, Jr.
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.