Bicycle Passing Laws

Cops on Bikes

Virginia's Proposed Bicycle Safety Act Puts the Onus on Drivers

Three-foot passing rules are safe. Requiring drivers to change lanes to pass people on bikes are even safer.

January 25, 2021 - The Virginia Mercury

Bike Lane New York

Study: Cars Give Bike Lanes Less Space

A new study provides more evidence that people on bikes need more of a buffer from drivers in cars than a mere strip of paint can offer.

April 16, 2019 - Streetsblog USA

Ghost Bike

Op-Ed: 'Share the Road' PSAs Aren't Enough to End Bike Fatalities

An op-ed wonders when enough bike fatalities will be enough.

May 14, 2017 - The Orange County Register

When a 3-Foot Clearance for Passing a Cyclist Is Not Enough

Sharrows and 3-foot passing laws are meant to make biking safer in streets in the absence of bike lanes. Bike activists in Iowa want to take safety a step further by requiring motorists to move to another lane, just as they would if passing a car.

February 28, 2016 - Globe Gazette

Car Bike Lane

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.

January 5, 2015 - Bike OKC

Do Drivers Know to Give Cyclists a Three-Foot Buffer when Passing?

On September 16, California's newest bicycle law went into effect, the "Three Feet for Safety Act" law. However, most motorists are unaware of it. Maybe a new sign will help.

October 1, 2014 - San Jose Mercury News

Protected Bicycle Lanes Now Welcome in California

Thanks to California Gov. Jerry Brown signing San Francisco Assemblyman Phil Ting's "bikeways" bill on Sept. 20, expect to see many more protected bike lanes constructed by cities throughout the state. Another signed bill will increase bike funding.

September 24, 2014 - LA Streetsblog

Examining the 'Vehicular Cycling' vs. 'Segregated Cycling' Debate

Joseph Stromberg provides an explainer post detailing both sides, and the common ground, of the "vehicular cycling" versus "segregated cycling" debate.

September 20, 2014 - Vox

Houston Launching 'Goal Zero' Bike Safety Program

Following the lead of New York City and San Francisco, Houston is the latest large American city to launch a program aimed at eliminating bike fatalities. The program includes funding for the creation of a Bicycle Master Plan.

March 26, 2014 - Office of Mayor Annise Parker

Finally, California Has a Safe-Passing Law!

Good news for all cyclists riding on Calif. roadways came from Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday when he attached his signature to a bill making it law that drivers give bicyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing from behind - only took him 5 years!

September 25, 2013 - Los Angeles Times - Opinion

CA Gov. Jerry Brown Vetoes Bike-Passing Safety Law

Motorists will not legally be required to provide a three-foot distance when they pass cyclists as a consequence of Brown's veto of SB 910. Comparisons were made to Texas Gov. Rick Perry who had vetoed a a similar bill in 2009.

October 9, 2011 - Cyclelicious

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