New Bicycle Safety Law | Know The Facts
- The previous version of the law required motorists to pass bicyclists while keeping a “safe distance.”
- This new law defines a “safe distance” as three feet when passing cyclists traveling in the same direction.
- If enough space is not available, the motorist must slow down and pass when no danger is present to the bicyclist.
- Violators face a $35 fine, as well as a $220 fine if a collision occurs.
For questions or more information about bicycle safety, contact the Auto Club atroadahead@aaa-calif.com
Effective September 16, 2014, drivers must give bicyclists at least 3 feet clearance when passing in the same direction.
Bicycle Safety
Safe bicycling involves much more than just wearing a helmet; in most states, a bicycle is considered a “vehicle” (like cars, trucks and motorcycles), and all bike riders must follow and obey the same laws as the drivers of other vehicles. Bicyclists can ride on all roads, except where restricted, and bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, including the right to ride in the traffic lane. The biggest difference between motorists and bicyclists as road users is that bicyclists are less visible, quieter, and don’t have a crumple zone to protect them.
Sharing the Road
Bicycles are a legitimate form of transportation and bicyclists are legal drivers of vehicles, with laws and regulations established for their use. Yet many bicyclists feel that they are not respected by motorists and must fight for their place on the road. Like motorists, bicyclists need space to safely operate in traffic; they need to anticipate the actions of drivers and other road users. This requires mutual respect, which can be promoted by public information, motorist education programs and legal measures.
Motorists
- Stay alert—avoid all distractions while driving.
- Yield to bicyclists when turning.
- In bad weather, give bicyclists extra passing room, just as you would other motorists.
- Make a visual check for bicyclists by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic.
- Slow down and give at least three feet of clearance when passing.
- Reduce your speed when passing bicyclists, especially when the road is narrow.
- Never honk your horn at a bicyclist—it could cause them to swerve into traffic or off the roadway and crash.
- Always check for bicycles before opening your door.
- Children on bicycles are often unpredictable—expect the unexpected.
Bicyclists
- Ride on the roadway or shared pathways, rather than on sidewalks.
- Follow the same rules of the road as other roadway users, including riding in the same direction as traffic and following all the same traffic signs and signals.
- Signal all turns.
- Wear a bicycle helmet every time and on every ride.
- Be visible by wearing bright colors during the day, reflective gear in low light conditions and use head and tail lights at night.
- Remember that respect is a two way street. Show motorists the same courtesy that you expect from them.
