Legal Distance to Pass a Cyclist

Arizona: “When passing and passing a bicycle travelling in the same direction, a person operating a motor vehicle must exercise caution in leaving a safe distance of at least three feet between the motor vehicle and the bicycle.” Sets fines if an offence results in death or injury. (Not applicable if the cyclist is not using a bike path or adjacent bike lane.) Adopted in 2000. On a single-carriageway for traffic flow and if there is sufficient space to the left of the person, the driver must, before passing and until the person passes safely, reduce the speed to a safe passing speed in relation to the person`s speed; and move to a safe distance, if possible, of at least three feet to clearly avoid contact with the person. If there is not enough space to the left of the person, the driver must drive completely in the lane for traffic in the opposite direction before passing and until he escapes safely, if it is safe to do so. The driver of such a vehicle passing another vehicle travelling in the same direction must pass at least two feet to the left of the latter and must not return to the right side of the highway until he has safely exited the passing vehicle. In a no-passing zone, a motorist may pass a cyclist if (1) the slowest moving vehicle is a bicycle or moped. (2) The slowest moving vehicle shall travel in the same direction as a faster moving vehicle. (3) The driver of an accelerating vehicle shall either (i) move at least four feet between the speeding vehicle and the slower moving vehicle, or (ii) fully engage in the left lane of the highway. (4) The driver of a slower moving vehicle shall not make (i) a left turn or (ii) signals to communicate a left turn. 5. The driver of the fastest moving vehicle shall comply with all other applicable requirements. — Safe Route Connection.org and Arizona Bike Law Blog contained information that I relied on to compile this list. The Safe Route Connection website contains a list of states for bicycle-related vehicle crossing laws.

The cyclist would be doing himself a great favor if he also kept at least three meters of distance from himself and the side of the road. This would guarantee them more space next to each other to avoid potholes, deposits and rust from sewage. It would also give them some leeway in case a driver didn`t give them 3 feet when overtaking. Give some spaceWhen passing a cyclist, remember to give at least three feet of space – the more space, the better. Some states require by law that drivers give four feet of space when passing. (Check here what the law is in your state.) It`s also important to give drivers more space to avoid obstacles on the road, such as rain collectors and debris. If a cyclist encounters a cyclist riding a bicycle on a bike path or on the side of the road, the cyclist is likely responsible for the accident and should receive a traffic certificate. The pursuit of a civil action or claim on behalf of the injured cyclist does not depend on the issuance of a traffic report to the driver; However, it helps the insurance claim if a quote is issued to the driver. However, if a cyclist is struck by a motor vehicle and sustains bodily injury, the injured cyclist should seek advice from a bicycle accident lawyer to discuss their legal rights, recommendations for action and, yes, legal representation. Minnesota: ” .

must maintain a safe distance, but at least three feet, when passing the bicycle or person . Entered into force in 2004. 10.23 Other states have similar legislation. In Pennsylvania, the minimum distance is 4 feet. It took four attempts to enact the California law. Texas: Although there is no instruction for cars, it is recommended that trucks and other large vehicles be separated by six feet. “You should always leave at least one metre to the left of the two-wheeled vehicle when passing.” – pages 15-20. The Rhode Island Act was withdrawn because it was redundant with legislation passed by the 2010 legislature. Our current law does not define distance in feet, but rather requires that the bicycle user be able to fall sideways without touching the vehicle.

The 3-foot pass requirement is still included in our House Bill 145, which is currently before the Ohio House after being passed by the House Transportation Committee. A relatively recent refinement of safe passing laws is that when passing a cyclist, a motorist must completely change lanes if more than one lane is going in the same direction. Three states — Delaware, Kentucky and Nevada — currently require it. In Kentucky, for example, state law states: “Vehicles passing a bicycle travelling in the same direction must: If there is more than one lane for traffic in the same direction, move the vehicle to the left if the lane is available and moving in the lane is reasonably safe.” I`m glad to see this article, but I wish it had more editorial oversight. I fully agree with the need for better education for motorists and cyclists on safe behaviour and coexistence in road traffic.