Bicyclists and drivers in West Hartford, and anywhere else in CT, should be aware of the 3 feet law. Today was Bike to Work Day so the message got some extra airplay from the CT Department of Transportation after being passed as law and instituted in October 2008. So just in case you didn't know, here is their message:
“THREE-FEET” PASSING RULE – IT’S THE LAW!
Public Act 08-101, effective October 1, 2008, requires Connecticut motorists to allow at least three feet of separation when overtaking and passing cyclists. Failure to do so could cause motorists to receive a fine. Because of the large disparities in size, weight and speed between bicycles and motor vehicles, cyclists are at a tremendous disadvantage in the result of a collision with a car or truck. This new law strives to increase motorist awareness of bicycles, and to make conditions safer by preventing collisions.
Drive safely - bike safely.
3 WH Responses:
Don't complicate my life. I'm still trying to figure out why Boulevard has "BIKE" markings in the middle of the road!
I can see this be really feasible on some of our already too narrow main thoroughfares (most of which can't accomodate extra leaves, never mind a bike lane).
Wonder if they'll enforce this as much as the cell phone laws.
I can't believe the law being changed to having bikes & in some cases I have seen wheelchairs driving down the road without reflectors, lights or any kind of safety equipment. I reported 6 bikes at 10 pm on the Boulevard to the plice stating that they had no lights & dark clothing and they were in the middle of both lanes east & west bound, with one bike having 2 people on it as well. the police officer stated " so what do you want me to do about it" at the desk so I left saying to myself what will happen when one or more are killed in town, so far they have been lucky.
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