CAPITOL HILL—Utah cyclists could see fewer obstacles in their path under a bill that earned the unanimous approval of the House Transportation Committee on Monday.

If adopted into law, HB290 would prohibit drivers from operating a vehicle or parking within bike lanes—with exceptions for snowplows, mail carriers, buses and emergency vehicles—setting a statewide standard that cycling facilities be kept clear and navigable.

"Bike lanes are meant to provide a safe space for those who use them," said Taylorsville Democratic Rep. Verona Mauga, the bill's sponsor. "But they can’t serve that purpose if they’re treated like overflow parking."

Mauga said that in most Utah cities, it is technically lawful to drive, stop or park inside of a cycling lane. And when a cyclist encounters an obstruction like a parked car, she said, they are forced to merge into traffic, increasing the risk and likelihood of collisions.

The bill specifies that drivers are allowed to cross a bike lane when turning at an intersection, accessing a driveway or otherwise engaging in sanctioned driving behavior.

"This bill isn’t about restricting drivers," Mauga said. "It’s about ensuring that our roadways work the way they’re supposed to work."

Monday's committee hearing did not include any testimony in opposition to the bill. But a representative for the Utah Department of Transportation noted that the agency is "neutral" on the proposal, while members of the committee briefly discussed the merits of a statewide law, rather than leaving bike lane rules up to individual municipalities.

Rep. Kristen Chevrier, R-Highland, noted that a typical bike ride might see her traveling through multiple cities—some allowing cars to stop in bike lanes while others don't.

"I am a cyclist and this is one of the things that bugs me the most," she said. "I think it would be good to have a standard rule in this case."

Jordan Bartholomew, a community engagement specialist with Bike Utah, said that dedicated bike lanes have been shown to reduce traffic collisions by as much as 49%—but only if those lanes are kept clear of obstacles. He described the bill as a "step in the right direction" toward promoting non-car travel and enhancing the safety of all road users, including drivers.

"When Utahns feel safe on the road, they're more likely to use bikes to get to work, school and local businesses," he said, "which reduces traffic congestion, improves air quality [and] supports healthier communities."

And Rep. Norm Thurston, R-Provo, expressed surprise that it is not currently unlawful to obstruct a bike lane.

"I thought this was already a law," Thurston said. "I’m surprised we need a bill to do the logical thing."

HB290 will now to move the full House for its consideration.