WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 834

An act relating to traffic calming measures for village centers and pedestrian and bicycle safety

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Keyser and 4 co-sponsors

Allows towns to post sub-25 mph limits in centers and thickly settled districts to boost pedestrian and cyclist safety.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 834

Summary of H.834 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

H.834 proposes a set of traffic-calming and safety measures to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety in village centers, downtown centers, and thickly settled districts. The bill aims to:
- allow municipalities to establish speed limits under 25 mph in targeted urban areas
- update the state’s traffic control device standards via a Vermont supplement to the MUTCD
- regulate parking and loading near crosswalks to improve visibility and safety
- study and promote infrastructure and funding approaches to expand bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure
- explore mechanisms to convert more State highways to class 1 town highways to support pedestrian-friendly design

Key provisions and changes

  • Local speed limits

    • Downtown centers, village centers, and thickly settled districts may post speed limits below 25 mph.
    • The thickly settled district is defined as a highway segment at least one-fifth of a mile long with buildings/structures within an average of 200 feet.
    • Municipalities may designate thickly settled districts by majority vote and set 25 mph or slower on designated highways.

  • Downtown/village center designation and steps (designation program)

    • Section 5803 continues to govern designation steps for downtown and village centers, with added emphasis on renewal and administrative decisions.
    • Step One enables eligibility for funding and technical assistance (e.g., Better Places Grant Program, Downtown and Village Center Tax Credit Program) and authorizes sub-25 mph speed limits within centers.
    • Step Two includes additional benefits, including authority to establish sub-25 mph speed limits within the center (a provision specifically noted as repealed after Step Two in the draft text but intended to govern continued authority).

  • Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards

    • 23 V.S.A. § 1025 would be amended to allow the Agency of Transportation (AOT) to adopt a Vermont State supplement to the MUTCD and to implement related timelines and guidance through the Administrative Procedure Act.
    • Existing signs and devices continue to be valid until replacement; new devices must conform to MUTCD and the State supplement.

  • Crosswalks, stopping, and parking near crosswalks

    • Stops and parking restrictions near crosswalks are clarified (e.g., distances: 20 feet from crosswalks or 15 feet where curb extensions exist).
    • Municipalities may authorize loading/unloading or bicycle/scooter parking within specified distances of crosswalks, with required markings.

  • Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure study

    • AOT must study barriers to implementing bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure, including funding access for smaller municipalities, permitting processes, environmental requirements, right-of-way costs, and design constraints on state highways.
    • A final report due by December 31, 2027, with recommendations to reduce barriers and streamline processes.

  • Class 1 town highway improvement

    • Establishes a Class 1 Town Highway Task Force to explore increasing the amount of state highways reclassified as class 1 town highways to support pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure.
    • Task Force to consider funding mechanisms, maintenance practices, equipment needs, and potential changes to state funding for municipal highways.
    • Report due by January 15, 2027; Task Force ceases January 30, 2027.

Who would be affected

  • Local governments (municipalities) and regional planning entities, which gain authority to set slower speeds in targeted centers and to designate thickly settled districts.
  • Vermont Agency of Transportation, which would implement a state MUTCD supplement and oversee traffic-control standards.
  • Businesses, residents, bicyclists, and pedestrians in village/downtown centers who stand to benefit from calmer traffic, improved crosswalk safety, and enhanced pedestrian infrastructure.
  • State highways potentially reclassified to class 1 town highways, affecting maintenance funding and design choices.

Timing and process

  • Effective date for most provisions: July 1, 2026.
  • MUTCD supplement implementation tied to the next edition of MUTCD (effectively July 1, 2027, or when adopted per federal rules).
  • Reports due: AOT and partner agencies by January 15, 2027; bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure study due December 31, 2027; Class 1 Town Highway Task Force report by January 15, 2027.
  • Task Force ceases to exist on January 30, 2027.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.