The Monrovia Police Department would like to inform drivers and make them aware of a new law that is now in effect. The new Three Feet for Safety Act requires motorists to give at least three feet clearance to bicyclists when passing from behind. Drivers must “slow to a speed that is reasonable and prudent” and pass when the cyclist will not be endangered if traffic or roadway conditions prevent giving three feet when passing.
The new law is designed to reduce car-bicycle crashes by reminding drivers to give bicyclists more safe space when passing. Here are a few safety tips for both motorists and bicyclists.
Safety Tips for Motorists:
- Slow down near bicyclists.
- Pay attention and avoid driving distractions.
- Look for bicyclists before opening your car door.
- Be aware of oncoming bicyclists when making a left turn.
- Check your blind spot for bicyclists before turning right.
Safety Tips for Bicyclists:
- Ride with the flow of traffic, not against it.
- Ride with a white front light at night.
- Be visible. Don’t hug the curb and ride in a straight line.
- Stop at red lights and stop signs.
- Ride 3-5 feet to the left of parked cars to avoid opening doors.
- Be predictable and use hand signals.
Comment: I think this is a reasonable law. I'm a bicyclist and it's really scary when a car comes too close too fast. Yes, I know! I know! Some bicyclists are indeed jerks.
- Brad Haugaard
I'd like to see bicylists observe the law themselves. It generally seems their actions are what triggers issues.
ReplyDelete1. Riding in large groups like it is the Tour De France.
2. Impending traffic. (Anyone ever tried to drive on Sierra Madre on the weekend?)
3. Running stop signs and traffic lights.
Yeah. All valid complaints.
DeleteIf we have to give them 3 feet, bicyclists have to follow the law. I think they've always felt they're above the law and now this stupid law will make them feel even more above the law.
ReplyDelete(impeding, not impending)
ReplyDeleteI notice that motorists get irate at bikers rolling stop signs but they don't get irate at motorists doing it. Or motorists not using blinkers to change lanes. It's bizarre. And hating these groups of a hundred riders riding "like it's the tour de france" is ridiculous. Are you that egotistical that you just can't be inconvenienced to pull over into the next lane or slow down for 30 seconds? Would you rather be behind 100 guys in cars, do you realize how impeding that would be? Why would you be annoyed by a bike rolling through an empty 4 way stop? So glad there is now a law to support cyclists and their right to the road.
I think you have a bit of an ego with correcting spelling mistakes on the internet.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct that I do not appreciate cars going through stoplights etc. as well
Who used any hateful terms?
I'm sorry Sierra Madre Blvd or Orange Grove between Santa Anita and Michillinda is one lane in each direction. A group of 50+ bikers riding 6 people across blocks/ "impedes" traffic. Going 10 miles an hour behind a pack or a car for a several miles is not 30 seconds. It's just rude.
I'f I'm at the stop sign in my car and I show up first then it is my right after a complete stop to go. However, bicylists running not rolling through an empty intersection is not sharing the road or safe.
I've also been a pedestrian in a walk way with our stroller when bicylists have "rolled" through "empty" intersection and nearly run me over. Is that sharing the road?
Yes, I'm for sharing the road but bicyclists need to follow the rules as well. It's quite onbvious you are one that feels the rules don't apply to you.