mwandaw

The latest version of this bill does not allow drivers to cross a double yellow line, and it does not specify a 15 mph limit to pass a biker when a three foot distance cannot be maintained. Those were the governor's primary objections to previous proposals, and now he has signed the bill.

Here's a link to the text of the bill:
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/fa...01320140AB1371

I hope this bill has some publicity effect as a reminder to motorists that they need to give bikers some room. That's about all I'm expecting, so I will continue to ride with the attitude that many motorists consider bikers to be a nuisance at best or scofflaws at worst.

TrojanHorse

Looks like it doesn't really take effect till 9/16/2014 and until then is just "pass safely on the left"

If a $260 fine doesn't stop people from using the carpool lane, what's a $35 fine going to do for 3 feet?

Pamestique 

We have been discussing this bill in the P & R forum... good intentions, the problem without enforcement - what is the point?

Rick@OCRR

I'd rather have the law then not, don't get me wrong, but I am skeptical about it making any real difference.

Hope I'm wrong!

Rick / OCRR

CommuteCommando

I tend to agree. Laws like this often have no real "teeth", but knowing the law is on your side is a minor victory. As far as this law not allowing cars to cross the double yellow, I believe that is stated elsewhere. If it weren't, I doubt we will see cars crossing to pass bikes geting cited.

Rick@OCRR

I commute down Rosecrans for a large part of my commute and with parked cars demanding "door room" there's really no way the cars can give me 3 feet and still stay in the near lane.

Now if they all move to the center lane then no problem. But often the traffic is just too heavy for this to be a viable option. So I doubt I'll see any real difference but again, I hope I'm wrong!

Rick / OCRR

John R

After listening to numerous talk shows discuss this subject, it appears to me motorist hate cyclist. This bill just adds on to the hatred. I commute to work everyday on a bike and drive a 18 wheeler tractor trailer for a living. I can see both sides of the argument. The thing that pisses motorist off the most is cyclist not obeying he laws, running stop signs and stop lights at intersections. They also hate being blocked for miles by a huge peleton on a single lane road. Showing courtesy and kindness goes a long way while riding your bike.

Lesper4

John I had the same conversation on facebook yesterday. But still it is better to have it then not.

Garfield Cat

This bill just adds one more thing for attorneys to use when a cyclist gets injured. They'll add this piece, if applicable, to the complaint.

Do they still teach driver's education in high school? It would be a nice public documentary to show students in H.S. what it means to have a bicycle classified as a vehicle, albeit not a motorized vehicle. Like a well done video that shows the law as applied on the road.

We need actors to do this. Please, don't bring your pro kit to the cattle call.

John R

After strikng a cyclist from behind, most motorist will say "the rider swerved out in front of my car" Sometimes cyclist do move to the left to avoid debris or pot holes. Now the motorist will have to argue that the rider moved more than three feet. It's a good law..

Chaco

Sorry, but I just don't buy this. Yes, there are psychopathic motorists out there who do hate us, but to describe motorists as a class that way doesn't fit in with my experience at all. Over the past 20,000 miles of biking, I've encountered a handful that were true a$$hats. But for every one of them, there are thousands of drivers who have treated me considerately.

I don't believe this bill will change the minds of the a$$hats, or create any new ones. Haters gonna hate. However, the bill WILL work its way into drivers education literature, and gradually help make ignorant motorists more aware of what their responsibilities are. For that reason, I welcome the law.

Garfield Cat

Senstivity type training starts at an early age. Train them when they get driver's training. Do the video and use celebrities to take some parts. I bet you all can name some who have participated in at least some triathlons like at Malibu.