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New law requires drivers passing cyclists to give 3 feet of clearance 

new bike kaw

The San Luis Obispo Bicycle Coalition, the CHP and San Luis Obispo Police Department convene to explain the new state law requiring that motorist stay three feet from bicyclist on the roadways. The new law is now in effect throughout California.

-Story from the San Jose Mercury News-

A new California law to prevent car-versus-bike crashes goes into effect Tuesday, requiring motorists to keep a 3-foot buffer when passing cyclists, the San Jose Mercury News reports.

A long-standing law required drivers passing cyclists to maintain a safe distance, but it failed to define just how big that space had to be. Now California joins 24 other states that have similar laws, the report says.

The law doesn’t require motorists to stay behind cyclists until a narrow road ends or widens — but allows a driver to pass within 3 feet if he slows to a safe speed, the report says.

Bike advocates say they hope the law will reduce accidents and ease tensions between bikes and drivers who share urban and rural roads.

Read the complete story here: http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_26539096/new-buffer-law-requires-drivers-passing-cyclists-give

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About the author: Publisher Scott Brennan

Scott Brennan is the publisher of this newspaper and founder of Access Publishing. Follow him on Twitter, LinkedIn, or follow his blog.