§ 136-71.8. Findings.
§136‑71.8. Findings.
The General Assembly herebyfinds that it is in the public interest, health, safety, and welfare for theState to encourage and provide for the efficient and safe use of the bicycle;and that to coordinate plans for bikeways most effectively with those of theState and local governments as they affect roads, streets, schools, parks andother publicly owned lands, abandoned roadbeds and conservation areas, whilemaximizing the benefits from the use of tax dollars, a single State agency,eligible to receive federal matching funds, should be designated to establishand maintain a statewide bikeways program. The General Assembly also finds thatbikeways are a bona fide highway purpose, subject to the same rights andresponsibilities, and eligible for the same considerations as other highwaypurposes and functions. (1973, c. 1447, s. 3; 1977, c. 1021, s. 1.)