A state law aimed at improving safety for bicyclists goes into effect Tuesday. The “Three Feet for Safety” law requires motorists basing a cyclist to maintain a distance of at least three feet. Currently the law requires only a “safe distance,” which isn’t defined.
If a motorist isn’t able to pass a cyclist while maintaining a three-foot distance from the cyclist, he or she must slow down and keep a safe distance behind the cyclist, passing only when it is possible to maintain the three-foot distance.
Violators will face a $35 fine for violating the “three-feet safety” rule and are liable for a fine of $220 if there is an actual collision with a cyclist.
The “three-feet-safety” requirement also applies to car passing a cyclist who is in a bike lane. The law doesn’t apply to cyclists who are passing cars.
as an avid cyclist around town, i’m so thrilled about this law and hope there is vigorous enforcement. just yesterday, an angry, but clearly hunky convertible bmw driver screamed at me to flash my rather supple and very shapely toned booty, while he was brandishing a fistful of grossly illegal plastic grocery bags. i was terrified!
i consider that a sexist and environmental hate crime punctuated by a inconsiderate regard for dolphins and other sea creatures that have sadly washed up on santa monica boulevard.
when will this politically incorrect madness end?
I’m all for a greener way to get around. Bikes can be a part of the solution. But the roads are designed for cars, not bikes. Unless you’re going to build a designated bike lane with barrier poles between the two…its impossible to be 100% safe. This will lead to further traffic issues and delays in roadways if cars are having to swerve into the left lane to avoid them. The bicyclists aren’t held accountable for anything? In a perfect city where there is no traffic this would work.
This is completely ridiculous. How did this law get passed? Bicyclists are the tyrants of LA roads.
This is a ridiculous law. Absolutely unenforceable. What responsibility does a bike rider have? What happens when a bike rider takes up a full lane (intentionally) on Fountain during rush hour?
Any decent lawyer will be able to get a motorist out of this silly infraction.
I’m a bike rider and ALWAYS give right away to cars, as it should be.
illegal to ride a bike on sidewalks in weho
Alison A bike rider starts to pass a motor vehicle and then the motor vehicle starts to move. According to you it’s OK for the motorist to get a ticket although he didn’t create the problem. And look for large trucks and buses to be straddling two lanes since most single lanes are barely wide enough for trucks, 96 inches wide and transit buses are 102 inches wide. Concerning Sally’s comment. I guess you have never had to dodge a bicycle rider illegally riding on the sidewalk. Not only do they pose a threat but the riders act as if… Read more »
@Sally – The Sheriff’s Department is the agency that enforces the laws, not City Hall. Also, this is a State Law, not a local one. Also, sometimes it is safer for cyclists to ride on the sidewalk than in the street. It is not against the law as far as I know. @ Mike Dunn – Are you serious? Has nothing to do with liberals. A car weighs thousands of pounds and can seriously injure or kill a cyclist. A bike weighs a few pounds and won’t do anything but scratch a car. And you are complaining that cars must… Read more »
Motor vehicles must be three feet or more away from bike riders but bike riders may pass with no restrictions. What a joke!! Another liberals philosophy inflicted upon the majority of those who pay for and use our roads.
Hopefully WeHo will enforce this new law as much as they enforce the law about no bikes on the sidewalks in various parts of town, which is incredibly dangerous and city hall looks the other way.