Transportation
Hey, I'm Bikin' Here! A Buffer Zone Is Now Law for California Cyclists
California drivers are now legally required to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing. But do these laws really work?
Another splash of fuel to the share-the-road debate: On Tuesday, California became the 24th state in the nation to enact a formal passing law for cyclists. That means cars are now legally required to give a berth of at least three feet while passing bikes, or face penalties: $35 for veering too close, or $220 if a cyclist is injured as result.
As the L.A. Times reports, the law had previously only required that cars pass at a non-specific "safe distance." Under the new regulations, drivers are still expected to use their personal judgment in certain cases. If heavy traffic makes it impossible to give three feet of space, drivers must slow to a "reasonable and prudent speed," and verify that the cyclist is safe before passing.