Fifty Plus (50+) - 3 Feet, Please

Anyone live in a State with the three feet law (http://www.3feetplease.com/3_Feet_Please.html)? Is it enforced?

What do you think?

Yes. No.

Impossible to enforce unless we all carry video equipmnet that can pick up license plates. Amazing how often the close brushes come with people who are on cell phones.

I might order one of those jersey's, though. Good reminder to folks who've been out of the classroom for a while.

Kentucky is a three foot state. I've been harrassed three times, all by very large vehicles.

I live in a one metre state.Does that count?(he he)

I'm wondering if you wear one of these jerseys, you actually give the "bad guys" who want to harass you more motivation to harass you. Otherwise, I think this is a good idea.

You can have a law, but enforcing it a totally different animal. Like the no cell phone while driving law. I still see people yakking away, one hand holding the phone, the other (usually) on the wheel. Where are the cops when you need them?

I'd love a 3-foot law but I'm afraid the enforcement of it would be lame. If we could count on lawbreakers to be prosecuted, then I'm all for it.

They can't stay 3 feet away if they don't even know that your there!....:mad:

Yes, and LOL!

I think this is a great idea. NY is not one on the list (at least I don't think it is) so I looked at the info on how to get your state to adopt this regulation. In the info you will see that it clearly states this is not a law meant to be rigoursly enforced but instead is used as an education tool to drivers - and isn't that what were are really after. You will never stop the numbskulls from trying mow you down but if you can educate more people then maybe we can reduce the probability number of close calls.

Also - notice that there is a provision in the law allowing for motorist to cross the yellow line when passing a bike, it removes that excuse for coming too close.

I live in a 3' state... FL. Shoot we have police in FL who think that bicycles are illegal on the roads. Motorists seem to be even more ignorent. So I really do not expect them to know the 3' passing rule.

It might have some effect. I suppose it is better than nothing.

Sorry...but here in D.C., MD & VA the answer is "No" and "No".

I suppose that if I get hit, at least I can point out that the car didn't give me three feet!

I kind of agree with the Deege.

I don't think it will affect the majority of drivers because the majority try to give you 3' anyway.

It won't impact the cell phone users because they aren't aware of whats going on in their surroundings.

I think there is a sizeable group of drivers who deliberately pass you too closely in order to frighten you so you won't ride on "their" roads. I'm thinking wearing that jersey might mark you as a rider who is easily intimidated.

That factors out to zero to a potentially negative effect.

I kind of agree with the Deege.


Whoa! Did I read this right? :love:

No law in Ontario but when I wear the jersey, it does make a difference. People give a little more room. That said, I was nearly hit yesterday by a motorist than ran through a 4-way stop. When I caught her at the next intersection I noticed she was steering with her knee and had a fast food salad bowl in one hand and a fork in the other. Funny people take driving so lightly.

Colorado just passed the 3 foot law it doesnt take effect unitil early august

Anyone live in a State with the three feet law (http://www.3feetplease.com/3_Feet_Please.html)? Is it enforced?

What do you think?

Yes, Illinois has a three-foot law.

When I'm lane sharing, most motor vehicles give me at least five feet.

I'm not aware of citations being issued for passing too close. That makes sense to me, since of all traffic laws, the three-feet seems one of the best followed.

I live in a 3' state... FL. Shoot we have police in FL who think that bicycles are illegal on the roads. Motorists seem to be even more ignorent. So I really do not expect them to know the 3' passing rule.

It might have some effect. I suppose it is better than nothing.

That's the problem, no one knows it's the law. Even if we increased enforcement it wouldn't do much good because it's just one person at a time getting nicked. Now, if you had a "blitz" or made the fine so big the media got involved and the cagers told all their friends (ala the IRS method), or you gave the governor or some celebrity a ticket for passing a bike too close, then.............

I live in a 3' state... FL. Shoot we have police in FL who think that bicycles are illegal on the roads. Motorists seem to be even more ignorent. So I really do not expect them to know the 3' passing rule.

It might have some effect. I suppose it is better than nothing.

I agree completely with what Pat said.

Have the law in AZ.
Have a bumper sticker on our car stating that fact.
Having a law on the books is fine; now let's see some enforcement.
Several cyclists severely injured/killed in the past year in the Tucson area including during the El Tour the Tucson (that was 6 months ago)..
Driver in his 90s plowed into 10 cyclist; got out of his car, looked at the carnage . . . and drove off.. He still has not spend one minute in jail . . . but he does have a good/expensive lawyer. No mention of the 3' law . . .

N.Y seems to me to be a 3 foot state. Just look in your rear view mirror the next time you drive your vehicle anywhere :eek:. The police don't enforce agressive driving laws at all around my city.

Though I believe a three foot law would be fantastic it would never be enforced around here. Fortunately I generally encounter conscientous and couteous drivers and whether driving or cycling I try to behave the same.

I believe that wi is a 3 ft. state. That being said, however, I don't know that it is ever enforced.

Our three foot law was just passed in the last few weeks. Can't say I notice any difference at this point. However, I was astonished at the negativity posted by automobile drivers agains the whole idea. I saw comments like, "Cyclists think they own the road", and "Arrogant, smug bast**ds". Really disheartening negativity.

Our three foot law was just passed in the last few weeks. Can't say I notice any difference at this point. However, I was astonished at the negativity posted by automobile drivers agains the whole idea. I saw comments like, "Cyclists think they own the road", and "Arrogant, smug bast**ds". Really disheartening negativity.


Interesting, as I think of Colorado as being fairly cyclist friendly?

I'm thinking it might be a good law to help pass in California. Don't see a downside really, as every little bit helps increase awareness.

Interesting, as I think of Colorado as being fairly cyclist friendly?

I'm thinking it might be a good law to help pass in California. Don't see a downside really, as every little bit helps increase awareness.

I agree. While laws like this may be hard to enforce and they won't get through to every driver on the road, they can be a big plus for increasing awareness of cyclists being on the road and the need to give us a little room for safety. That effect can be greatly enhanced if it is accompanied by a blitz of publicity. Everyone from the state to the national advocacy organizations to the state and local groups down to the individual cyclists should do everything within their power to keep the discussions going and increase the level of awareness.

I'd be happy with 3 inches.....

I don't understand how that is suppose to work.If I'm riding with a foot or so clearance so that I have some warning/time to avoid getting doored,then the cars are suppose to give me 3 feet and my bike is 2 feet wide,that's 6 feet already.How wide are the slow lanes where you live? In L.A,the slow lane would be all mine if they did that.

HI,
Here in VA I believe its 2 ft, not that anyone worries about us bike riders, I ve had truck pass at three feet and pulling a trailer full of lawnmowers that barely cleared my pedal crank, whoosssshh.:eek:
SO there's all kinds of ways to Kill the Bike riders.
Anyone have problems with road gravel and a tire pinching a stone and it hits the car and the driver slams on the brakes like you did it on purpose.:innocent:
Doug

Anyone live in a State with the three feet law (http://www.3feetplease.com/3_Feet_Please.html)? Is it enforced?

What do you think?


I live in Maine and it is helpful in two ways:
1. gives me the strength and courage to let people know if they come too close.
2. If it happens repeatedly, the police will help. I commute along rte 2 here in Maine and there was an out of state car which was repeatedly buzzing me.......I contacted the police and they did a stake out during my commute times........never caught the person and I don't see the car anymore but I felt helped out........there is lots of controversy about how to "prove" that the car came less than three feet but I still think it works if nothing more than raising consciousness about bikes and safety.........

HI,

I ve seen a warning light on a pole like a little fishing pole thats a couple feet out from the bike used as a comuter tool to warn drivers about safe distances.
Can't remember were I saw it on the NET I believe it was being sold in England.
Doug

this idea is pretty neat too
http://boingboing.net/2009/01/15/bikelight-that-paint.html

I'd be happy with 3 inches.....

I don't understand how that is suppose to work.If I'm riding with a foot or so clearance so that I have some warning/time to avoid getting doored,then the cars are suppose to give me 3 feet and my bike is 2 feet wide,that's 6 feet already.How wide are the slow lanes where you live? In L.A,the slow lane would be all mine if they did that.


Yes, it would, wouldn't it...:innocent:

Some of the negative press from Colorado...

http://denver.yourhub.com/Littleton/Stories/News/General-News/Story~621779.aspx

http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2009/may/31/boulder-drivers-new-law-cyclists/

The sheriff said: "If I could get anything across, it's that a little courtesy and common sense would go a long way." HA!! That'll never happen in CO.