New Bill To Protect Bicyclists in California

Recent legislation introduced by Senator Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) aims to get the ball rolling when it comes to protecting bicyclists from passing motorists.

1 minute read

February 25, 2011, 12:00 PM PST

By Jason Van Patten


S.B. 910 is said to be a mere placeholder for what will amount to a three-foot passing law. The bill, which makes no reference to "three feet" is considered among many in the cycling community as a necessary step for preventing collisions, while informing drivers to share the road.

"John Casey, the Chief of Staff for Senator Lowenthal and a bike commuter himself, explains that the Senator's intent is to work with bicycle advocacy groups and law enforcement to make sure that the final draft is a bill that will work for cyclists, and motorists throughout California. Sixteen other states have laws that require motorists to give a three foot berth when passing a cyclist."

Wednesday, February 23, 2011 in Streetsblog LA

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Front of White House with stormy sky above.

How the Trump Presidency Could Impact Urban Planning

An analysis of potential changes in federal housing, transportation, and climate policies.

January 19, 2025 - Planetizen

Close-up of person on bike wearing backpack riding on city street.

Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’

Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.

January 14, 2025 - Streetsblog California

String lights across an alley in Cranford, New Jersey at night.

Midburbs: A New Definition of Suburbs

When the name “suburb” just doesn't quite fit.

January 17, 2025 - Gabe Bailer - PP - AICP - NJ Urbanthinker

Aerial view of residential buildings in Koreatown, Los Angeles with downtown skyline in background

The Urban Heat Divide: Addressing LA’s Thermal Inequities

LA's thermal inequities leave low-income, minority neighborhoods disproportionately hotter and more vulnerable, prompting advocacy and policy efforts to address these disparities through green infrastructure and equitable climate investments.

January 21 - Los Angeles Downtown News

View of black oil wells behind chain link fence with barbed wire top

Healing the Land: Collaborative Effort to Reclaim Orphan Well Sites

The Well Done Foundation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are partnering to plug over 110 orphan wells across four National Wildlife Refuges, restoring habitats, protecting ecosystems, and reducing methane emissions.

January 21 - PRNewswire

Aerial view of insula ruins in Ostia, near Rome, Italy.

The Apartment Through History

The humble apartment, as a typology, has been with us for millennia.

January 21 - JSTOR Daily