The Three Feet for Safety Act, requires that motorists give cyclists a 3-foot clearance when passing. In cases where the distance isn’t possible, the motorist would be required to slow to a “reasonable and prudent” passing speed.
The proposed law also permits motorists to, when safe, move into the oncoming traffic lane to provide the required three feet.
Motorists who violate the proposed law would get hit with a $35 fine; if a cyclist is injured due to a violation, the fine goes up to $220.
The "three feet" law clarifies prior law, which required drivers to pass at a "safe distance." I think this is a step in the right direction.
And while this new law may not immediately change the driving habits of Californians, in some vehicle vs. bicycle accidents, it will help demonstrate negligence under a negligence per se type of theory.
Stay tuned, as I plan on discussing various theories of liability in vehicle vs. bicycle accidents in a future blog.
In a related story, PeopleforBikes.Org released a new video, Vulnerable on the Open Road:
Five professional U.S. cyclists reflect on their experiences with bicycle safety. The riders share their visions for better bicycling conditions and lessons for safer motorist-bicyclist interactions.
Even though these riders are the top 1% of bicyclists, their advice—slow down, be aware, don't blow through red lights, build more infrastructure, get more people riding—applies to anyone who likes to enjoy the simple pleasure of a bike ride.
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