New Bike-Passing Law

California's "Three Feet for Safety Act" (CVC §21760) takes effect September 16. This law essentially codifies what has long been a recommended safety practice: Drivers overtaking and passing a bicycle that is proceeding in the same direction on a highway must allow at least three feet between their vehicle and the overtaken bicycle or its operator. When a three-foot space cushion is not possible because of traffic or roadway conditions, drivers are to slow to a reasonable and prudent speed and pass only when doing so would not endanger the safety of the cyclist.

Hundreds of bicyclists are killed and many more are injured nationwide every year. Many of these incidents can be prevented if both drivers and cyclists practiced more caution, and the new law is intended to reduce vehicle-bicycle crashes by reminding passing drivers to give bicyclists plenty of room to ride safely. Remind students that they must always do their part to ensure the safety of all users of the roadway.

A violation is an infraction punishable by a fine of $35; the fine is $220 if a collision between the motor vehicle and the bicycle causes bodily injury to the cyclist.