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SB 5595

Establishing shared streets.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Emily Alvarado and 6 co-sponsors

Allows local governments to designate shared streets where pedestrians, bicyclists, and micromobility share space with a 10 mph limit and annual safety reporting.

Effective date 7/27/2025.
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Bill Summary · SB 5595

SB 5595 — Establishing shared streets (Chapter 300, 2025 Laws)

Status: Signed by Governor 5/17/2025; effective 7/27/2025.
Introduced: 1/30/2025. Sponsors: Senators Alvarado, Liias, Frame, Nobles, Pedersen, Saldaña, Shewmake.

Purpose / Intent

To create a statutory framework that allows local governments in Washington to designate "shared streets" — city streets where pedestrians, bicyclists, micromobility devices, and motor vehicles intentionally share space — and to give local authorities tools (including a 10 mph speed limit) and reporting requirements to manage those streets safely.

Key provisions

  • New statutory definition and authority

    • Adds a new section to chapter 46.61 RCW authorizing local authorities to designate nonarterial highways as "shared streets" if the locality has developed procedures for establishing them.
    • Clarifies that nonarterial state highways may be designated only if they are the primary road through a central business district (House amendment).

  • Definition

    • "Shared street" — a city street designated with official traffic control devices where pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicular traffic share part or all of the street.
    • "Micromobility device" — personal/shared nonmotorized scooters, motorized foot scooters (per RCW 46.04.336), and electric personal assistive mobility devices (EPAMD) (per RCW 46.04.1695).

  • Right-of-way rules on shared streets

    • Motor vehicles must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists, and micromobility operators on shared streets.
    • Bicyclists and micromobility operators must yield to pedestrians.
    • Pedestrian and bicyclist right-of-way/sidewalk rules that apply to ordinary roadways do not apply on shared streets (certain subsections of RCW 46.61.250 are excepted).

  • Speed limits

    • Local authorities may set a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour on designated shared streets (amendment to RCW 46.61.415).
    • When establishing such limits, localities should consult the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
    • A 10 mph limit set under this authority need not be preceded by an engineering and traffic investigation if the locality has established procedures; such limits may be canceled within one year without an engineering study.

  • Transparency / reporting

    • Local authorities that designate shared streets must post an annual report on their website that includes:
    • Number of traffic collisions on the shared street (including those involving pedestrians, bicyclists, or micromobility operators).
    • Number of speeding violations and driving under the influence (DUI) violations occurring on the shared street.

Who is affected

  • Local authorities (cities, towns, counties): responsible for developing procedures, designating shared streets, posting annual reports, setting and signing speed limits consistent with MUTCD.
  • Road users: pedestrians, bicyclists, micromobility device operators, and motor vehicle drivers on designated shared streets will be subject to new yield rules and a possible 10 mph speed limit.
  • State highway system: generally excluded unless the nonarterial state highway is the primary road through a central business district.

Procedural / fiscal notes

  • No appropriation; fiscal note was not requested.
  • Statutory amendments include changes to RCW 46.61.250 (pedestrian rules), 46.61.415 (speed limits), and related sections governing passing/overtaking and vehicle interactions.
  • Legislative process: Passed Senate and House (House amended to expand allowance for certain state highways); Governor signed 5/17/2025. Effective date: 90 days after adjournment — listed as 7/27/2025.

Practical implications

  • Provides a local option to prioritize pedestrian activity and street vibrancy (e.g., market districts).
  • Lowers allowable speed and clarifies yield hierarchy on designated streets, with local control over procedures and temporary speed-setting flexibility.
  • Introduces an accountability measure via annual collision and enforcement reporting to the public.

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

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