Governor Signs Bill Requiring Cars to Give Cyclists Three Feet When Passing

This week, Governor Brown signed legislation that will require California motorists to give at least three feet of space when passing bicyclists on the road. San Diego County Bicycle Coalition supports this new state law that will take effect on September 16, 2014. Assemblymember Steven Bradford proposed the bill -- AB 1371.

At least 22 states and the District of Columbia define a safe passing distance as at least three feet to protect bicyclists from aggressive drivers. If three feet of space isn’t available, California’s law also states that drivers must slow and pass only when it will not endanger the person riding.

In Leucadia, there are sharrows where bicyclists can take up the full lane. However in some areas of town like Manchester Ave. between Encinitas Blvd. and El Camino Real, there is hardly a bike lane at all. 

Andy Hanshaw, executive director at San Diego County Bicycle Coalition told Patch, "Along with our statewide advocacy colleagues, San Diego County Bicycle Coalition was happy to support AB1371, which will provide an enhanced safety measure to protect cyclists on the road. This increased safety measure in conjunction with more infrastructure planned for our region bodes well for all people who ride bicycles in San Diego." 

Do you think motorists can/will abide by this law in Encinitas, Leucadia and Cardiff? Do you think the city needs to make wider bike lanes? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section.