Oklahoma City Considering 3-Foot Passing Law for Bikers (Not Drivers)

A new ordinance to be considered by Oklahoma City in January puts the onus to pass with three feet of space on bikers, rather than drivers. Critics argue that the low will further marginalize bikers on city streets.

1 minute read

January 5, 2015, 9:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


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"A new ordinance put forward by councilman Pat Ryan (Ward 8) would require bikes to maintain 3 feet between themselves and any motor vehicles traveling in the same direction," according to a post on the Bike OKC website. 

"The measure has been approved by the Oklahoma City Traffic Commission and will go before City Council in January.  The law currently states that drivers must provide 3 feet between their cars and cyclists when passing."

The post goes on to argue that the ordinance does more harm than good: "Forcing bikes to ride as far to the right as possible and not allowing groups to ride together says that the city thinks bikes do not belong on city streets and that cyclists need to make way for the more important people in their cars."

Monday, December 29, 2014 in Bike OKC

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