Juan Foote

Georgia just passed a "3 foot law" regarding passing a cyclist. The problem is, no one knows it. There is zero mention of it, no signage, no commercials. The only reason I know about it at all is by chance. I know that the law is designed more from a "liability" standpoint benefitting cyclists in a legal situation in case of an altercation. It is simply impossible for a cyclist to do anything about while riding, especially alone. You obviously can't just stay on the phone with 911 relaying the plate number of every car that buzzes you. In this situation, even with a law designed to deal with it, there is really nothing to be done until AFTER a cyclist gets hit.

Now, from a driver standpoint...not all drivers are aware that cyclists have a right to the road. Not all cyclists are using the road correctly either. Even though it is a drivers obligation to know the current rules and regulations, I feel there needs to be more done by the enforcing agencies to let people know about these laws. There are areas around that are biker friendly, are well marked and signed with "share the road" and painted symbols, even bike lanes. Even then lots of drivers aren't familiar with them, and don't know what to do around cyclists, compunded by what I mentioned before about cyclists not knowing how and where to ride either.

Every person out there with a valid license driving a car had to pass a driving test to do so. Young drivers (here) now have to take a drivers course to be able to drive at 16. Even established drivers have to go renew and at times re-test to keep a valid license. I wonder when, or even if, cyclists and the rules regarding proper handling of your vehicle in the presence of them will be curriculum? And at the same time, wonder if there should be a similar requirement in place for cyclists?

Runner 1

What really needs to be done is to put some bike related questions on the drivers license test. This would at least raise awareness that cyclists don't "belong on the sidewalk". Maybe ask "How much clearance must a cyclist be given when passing?" or "If unable to provide a cyclist with 3 feet of clearance, what is the correct course of action?". Just something to get it in most people's minds.

merlinextraligh

Some states require a written test for license renewal.

A simple, online written test including questions on new laws such as the 3 foot rule and other bike safety issues would be a great idea.

It wouldn't have to be hard, some educational material, then a "test" just to make sure you read the material.

caloso

The California Legislature just passed a similar 3 foot passing bill. It's sitting on Jerry's desk now. Hoping he'll sign it and it will go into effect on 1/1/12.

rawhite1969

Indiana just passed similar law. no signage or much mention of it here either. But then again laws aren't required to be posted wherever they might be applicable.

25 years ago in IL when I took my driver's test, there WERE bicycle related questions on the test. We had a bike safety course in elementary school as well.

THose of us that ride for pleasure, bike-commute because we WANT to, etc know the rules. It is generally those that bike-commute because they HAVE to and kids that don't know the rules, and thus ride against traffic, on the sidewalk (although that is legal in many cities) and worst - in the center lane/on median. A licensing requirement won't change that - it will just mean that those of us who already know the rules will go get the license - the others won't.

merlinextraligh

How about a 35" dowell, with a sharp metal point, spring mounted to the frame.

canam73

I live in wisconsin so maybe somebody can back me up who took their exam more recently, but I think the written test we had to get our lerner's permit had that question on it. And I think it cameup again a few years later when I got my motorcycle license.

dsb137

Apparently the local LEO's didn't get the memo... I got buzzed by a deputy Sheriff going up Wolfpen just last Thursday... I get the impression law enforcement up here doesn't think any more highly of cyclists than the general motoring population...

patentcad

Just be happy they don't flatten your Fredly ass and every time you get back safely from a ride kiss that Lance poster in your garage and thank the Holy Sisters of Dura Achee you get to breathe for another friggin day.

You idiots kill me. Like any 'law' is going to protect you. Are you friggin serious? When you get killed by a car, no summons will be issued. Trust me on this. And the police will figure you had it coming to you. As will the general public.

patentcad

I'll be upset if that's any consolation.

patentcad

No you won't.

patentcad

I had to say something nice after that stupid diatribe. I don't want them to think I'm some kind of BF Ahole.

patentcad

I think those horses have left the barn cowboy.

Runner 1

What does talking to yourself do?

Runner 1

Oh it, ratchets up your post count. I see.

Post number 500!

Runner 1

Actually, this is kind of fun. I see why Pcad does it all the time.

Commodus

Two weeks ago a guy passed me close his mirror brushed the top of my shoulder. I was pretty annoyed, so I called the cops and gave them his plate number.

A nice lady Mountie called me back within a half hour to tell me she was sitting outside the address the car was listed to (a business) and asked me to recount what had happened. Then she asked me if I'd like her to write him a ticket, that would result in a $200 (about, I can't quite recall) fine to the vehicle owner - the business. I said yeah okay, that seems reasonable under the circumstances.

Now, that ticket only happened because he actually touched me. That's illegal. Now if I had that law in place here, whenever some jerk buzzed me in an especially egregious fashion I could just call the police and report him. I would like that a lot.

Juan Foote

I am impressed, my thread rated derision from pcad.

pallen

I agree, you cant legislate away morons and their behavior. All you can hope for is that the law is enforced that word might get around that you better give bikes room or its a nasty fine. If its not enforced, its just a token "see we did something" cop-out by city officials.

ErichM

It seems pcad is talking to himself even more than usual. Perhaps there is a wager involved.

motobecane69

sounds a lot like the "Move over act" that a lot of states have been passing which states you need to move over a lane away from stopped emergency vehicles or slow down to 20mph below the speed limit. that law is just a money grab. like slowing from 65 to 45 is really going to protect an officer on foot writing someone a ticket on the hwy. now when they pull someone over they sit in tandem and have one guy write the ticket while the other guy just sits there and waits for people to go by and bangs them for easy money.

ArchEtech

I think there should for sure be some driver education - as well.... as some road biker education. I see just as many violations on the road by the bikers themselves where I'm from, and I live in a popular biking area.

3' law - great idea. That should also mean that bikes should not be riding inbetween cars, or riding between the curb and a car at a light or intersection. What happens if the biker violates the 3' law? Road bikers should follow ALL of the same traffic laws. Stop signs, using turn signals etc etc etc, and they simply don't. I actually get made fun of for doing so.... but then again, I hated bikers until I started riding a lot.

EdIsMe

Florida has had the 3' law for quite a while. However, one of my closest calls was when I was nearly hit in the back of the head by the side mirror of a county vehicle that had one of the 3' law bumper stickers on the back.

I also once had a police officer shout at me, telling me to "get on the sidewalk #$%hole!"

There's a reason we call it Flori-duh.

Quel

I've never thought much of the 3 foot law. I don't think I've heard of it being enforced yet, so it's mostly an awareness thing for drivers. But I've never found drivers to give less than 3 feet unless they are oblivious or just don't care about running you down.

Badgerjohn

Florida is simply the worst of all. IMHO WE had a cop yell at us to move over on the MS150 one day. A benifit ride with hundreds of riders. Everbody knew. signs everywhere. Drink stands etc... He damn near caused a huge pile up. And then about 50 of us stopped and gave him a rash of sh*t. He wisely did not get out fo the car.