NEW LAW REQUIRES MOTORISTS TO ALLOW MORE ROOM WHEN PASSING BICYCLES

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By Miriam Raftery

September 24, 2013 (Sacramento) – Governor Jerry Brown has signed into law AB 1371, which requires drivers of motor vehicles to allow at least three feet when passing a bicycle on a highway traveling in the same direction, under most circumstances.

An exception is made if a driver is unable to allow three feet due to traffic or roadway conditions, such as a very narrow road, bad weather, poor visibility, or road surface conditions.   In such cases, the driver must slow down to a speed that is “reasonable and prudent” and may pass only when doing so would not endanger the safety of the bicyclist.

Violators can be fined $35, or $220 if the bicyclist is struck.

The law applies only to highways, not surface streets.  It will take effect September 16, 2014.


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Comments

safety first

My take on this new law is great for the bikers and proves needed. But in my experience most of the riders in our area seem to think that the whole road belongs to them! Even when there is plenty of bike lane provided for them they ride in the middel of the lane and some refuse to move over to let cars pass safely. Many of the old hwys have very limited passing areas because of the winding roads. So in this situation what would you do? Has any one else been frustated by this rude attuide to. Any feed back ? Should the biker be find as well for not following the law by not getting out of the way and not useing the bike lane provided for them?