Give “Three Feet Safety Clearance” for Bicyclists Or Face Citation

On Tuesday, September 16, 2014, California Vehicle Code 21760 requiring three feet clearance from bicyclist goes into effect. The legislation, enacted as the “Three Feet for Safety Act”, is intended to increase safety for bicyclists “who have suffered increased injuries or death as a result of a motor vehicle accident.”

Here are some tips from the CHP for motorists and bicyclists:

o Anticipate people bicycling on the roadway. Bicyclists have the right to use all roadways, same as vehicles, except in areas officially excluded.

o Reduce your speed when passing bicyclists. Air pressure from vehicles passing bicyclists, especially trucks and buses, can “push” a bicyclist over from the wind created by passing vehicle at high speed.

o When preparing to enter the roadway or make a turn,look carefully for oncoming bicyclists. Many bicyclists are capable of speeds in excess of 25 miles per hour. They may also be travelling on sidewalks.

o Give at least three feet between your vehicle and the bicyclist. Do not overtake or pass too closely a person bicycling. California law requires a standard minimum distance of three feet between any part of the motor vehicle and any part of the bicycle or its operator.

o Have Patience. Be aware that when a lane is too narrow for vehicles and bikes to be safely side by side, bicyclist should ride in or near the center of that lane to discourage motorists from unsafe passing.

• When bicycling on the road, always go with the traffic flow and ride in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic. Go with the flow – not against it.

o Obey All Traffic Laws. Stop at red lights and stop signs and yield to pedestrians.

o Be Predictable. Ride in a straight line and signal your moves to motorists, other bicyclists, and pedestrians to let them know what to expect. That is the law.

o Increase Your Visibility. Wear fluorescent or brightly colored clothing during the day, dawn, and dusk. When you ride at night, you must have a white headlight and red lights or reflectors on the back of your bike, white or yellow reflector on each pedal or a bicyclist’s shoe or ankles, and side reflectors (unless the bicycle is equipped with reflectorized tires.). (CVC 21201)

o Stay Alert at All Times. Use your eyes and ears. Watch out for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks, or anything that could make you lose control and fall. To be able to listen for dangerous situations, do not use headphones or earplugs in both ears while riding. (CVC 27400)

o Look Before Turning. When turning or changing lanes, always look behind you for a break in traffic, signal, and then check again before making the turn. As you approach intersections, be aware of the people behind, beside, and in front of you who may try to cross your path. Watch out for left or right-turning traffic; these are the most frequent motorist-caused bicycle crashes.

o Watch for Parked Cars. Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars (drivers may pull out in front of you or open a door in your path.)

o Give and Get Respect. Allow faster traffic to pass when it’s safe; avoid needlessly blocking the road.

Our goal is to create a safe enviroment for both bicylists and motorists. Stay safe!