Politics & Government

New Bike Safety Law In Place

The law requires motorists to leave a 4-foot "cushion of safety" when passing a bicyclist.

A law that sets new rules for Pennsylvania motorists to follow when encountering a bicyclist took effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, April 2.

The law, designed to improve safety and traffic flow, was signed by Gov. Tom Corbett on Feb. 2.

The new law requires motorists to leave a 4-foot “cushion of safety” when passing a bicyclist. To achieve this cushion, drivers may cross a roadway’s center-line when passing a bicycle on the left, but only when opposing traffic allows.

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Drivers attempting to turn left must also yield the right of way to bicycle riders traveling in the opposite direction.

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia said, "Don't expect police bike patrols going out with yardsticks to measure passing distances. This law's true strength is its role as a vulnerable road user law for cyclists...

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"It gives law enforcement a tool to hold negligent motorists accountable in the event of a crash. It also helps clarify the relationship between cars and bicycles on the road, and how both can and should maneuver around one another to keep everyone safe."

In a statement from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Secretary Barry J. Schoch said: “The differential in speed is the biggest safety challenge with motor vehicles and bicycles sharing our state’s roadways. I urge all drivers and cyclists to learn the rules of the road to better share our highways and make travel safer for all.”

The new law also calls for bicycle riders to use all reasonable efforts to avoid impeding the normal flow of traffic. When there is only one travel lane, bicyclists may use any portion of the lane to avoid hazards on the roadway, including maintaining a safe distance from stopped and parked cars.

As always, bicyclists and motorists should obey all traffic signs and signals. PennDOT also recommends bicyclists always ride predictably and signal their intentions before proceeding so that motorists have a chance to react.

For more information on bicycling safety, visit www.DriveSafePA.org.

Chestnut Hill will soon become more bike-friendly .


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