On Monday, April 2, 2012 the Four Foot Safe Passing Law will go into effect. The law requires that:
- Bicycles must be operated in the right hand lane, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of roadway.
- This does not apply to a bicycle using any portion of the road due to unsafe surface conditions.
- Motorists must overtake a bicycle with no less than four feet between the vehicle and the bicycle and at a “prudent reduced speed”.
- No turn by a motorist may interfere with a bicycle proceeding straight.
- Bicycles may be operated at a safe and reasonable speed appropriate for bicycles.
This further codifies the rights of bicyclists to be present in the roadway. It also makes it safer for bicyclists to be on the roadway. Of course, the law itself will only act as a catalyst for changing the habits of motorists; both the motoring and bicycling community must be sure to act responsibly and follow all the laws governing our roadways to ensure a safe environment for all roadway uses.