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A new state law requiring motorists to keep a 3-foot buffer zone when overtaking or passing bicyclists took effect today.
If 3 feet is not available, a driver must slow down to a safe speed and pass when no
danger is present, according to a California Highway Patrol press release.
“Motorists are reminded to pay close attention as the school year approaches and exercise
caution when they see bicyclists on the road,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow in the press release. “Be sure to move over or slow down to pass when you see a bicyclist on the road and help keep our roadways a safer place.”
In 2012, 153 bicyclists were killed in California, a 7 percent increase from 2011, according to data from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. Those deaths accounted for 5 percent of the total collision fatalities in the state.
“As important as it is for vehicles to be mindful of our bicyclists, those who ride must exercise
safe practices and ride smart,” Farrow said in the press release. “With both drivers and bicyclists doing their part, we can help reduce the number of tragedies involving bicyclists.”
The fine for violating the 3-foot rule is $35, plus fees. The basic fine rises to $220 plus fees if a collision occurs, plus court costs, according to a California Bicycle Coalition press release.
Please don’t park your car in the bike lanes. That forces bicyclists into the center of the road and legally passing them is difficult with this new law. I see dozens of cars parked in the Middlefield Road bike lanes every day. Why doesn’t the police do something about that?
I hope the tickets and fines go both ways. Bicyclists are constantly setting off my parking sensor when I’m at stop lights/signs and when traffic is slow they are passing me easily less than 3 feet away.
I’m good with this, but what about asking bicyclists to stay well within the bike lanes? When two ride side by side, it creates an unnecessary problem.
Their 3ft ends outside of the bike lanes.
It’s not a good idea to ride in the streets where cars go, that is what the bike lanes are for. If there is no bike lane, there shouldn’t be any riding on it. And all the idiots i see in the middle of traffic acting like a car turning, when they could just as easily used the crosswalk area. Stupid is as stupid does.
I will gladly avoid bicycles as long as they try to avoid ME! Since when does a 2 wheeled vehicle NOT have to obey ANY rules of the road. STOP signs mean just that! Cruising around the corner without even slowing down. Nearly hitting a pedestrian doing that trick!
I love to ride a bike but not in town. I have friends in the bike-pushing group who obviously have not paid attention to the lack of respect and cooperation MOST bikers seem to be proud of. I would get cited if there is an accident?!? Really! The bikes are outside 3 feet already reserved for the bike and into MY 4 roadway.
I am a very courteous and law-abiding driver but the arrogance of 2 wheel folks really has me upset. In an entire week I saw ONE bike stop at a stop sign! I waved him my thanks! Perhaps there should be limits on bikes on narrow streets? Just saying.
Pretty pathetic.
Here is the press release from the California Highway Patrol: https://local.nixle.com/alert/5268382/?sub_id=893891
It clearly says: “If a roadway is too narrow for a cyclist to share with a vehicle, the cyclist has the right to ride in the center of the roadway.”
Interesting that that section was deleted from the MV Voice report.
The CHP ought to send this out on Twitter, Snapchat and Facebook so all the drivers will see this as they drive – and text.
If you think 3′ is too much, try having an 18 wheeler pass close enough to almost take off your mirror and see how that makes you feel.
Just like cars are *supposed* to do, if there’s a ‘parade’ of five vehicles, you’re supposed to, when possible, pull over and let them pass.
Susan, for every one of your bike pet peeves, there are dozens of pet peeves about drivers breaking the laws. The only difference is the deaths related to so many drivers doing it. We can focus on the cyclists who regularly break the law yet cause minimal injury, or we can focus on the drivers who break the laws regularly and kill your loved ones. Who would you want to be more corrected? My choice, sadly was made for me when a car ran a left hand turn and killed my sister when I was 12. I don’t give a rat’s you know what about the bikes because they are doing no real harm other than irritating control freaks and those bigoted about bikes. I care about the cars and their law breaking though. Wanna trade headlines about death and misery caused by each group? Hint: Don’t bother, I’ll win.
We see this ALL the time in our area. Cyclists failing to follow the law then complaining that motorist don’t give them any respect. I’ve watched 30+ cyclists in < 45 min period barely stop pedaling when coming to stop signs in our neighborhood. Happens every day. They don’t signal, they don’t pay attention to pedestrians in crosswalks, they don’t look at traffic signals, they ride on the sidewalk or the wrong way in traffic, they weave in and out of traffic. The list goes on-and-on.
There will be NO respect for cyclists in general until there is consistency in the enforcement of the law, there are tickets given out on a regular basis (both cyclist and motorist), more education is done by law enforcement and cities and we build the community to handle them – consistent bike lanes and markings.
If we’re going to treat them like motorists on the road, then let’s require them to get a license and pass a test. Or at least lets start practicing some of the things other communities do when it comes to cyclists:
http://bicycles.cityofdavis.org/
I don’t have a problem with bicycles that don’t fully stop at stop signs. As long as they do it safely, yielding to pedestrians and to automobiles that have priority. Now, if they blow through intersections ignoring pedestrians and automobiles, then they should be cited.
The reason why it is important for automobiles to come to a full stop is that they are much faster than bicycles. They need the time to check for pedestrians and other vehicles. Bicycles are so much slower that this looking time can be spent while riding. Most importantly, if a cyclist makes a mistake and hits someone, it is very unlikely to result in a serious injury to the other party.
Susan wrote, “I am a very courteous and law-abiding driver but the arrogance of 2 wheel folks really has me upset. ”
Given the tone of her message, I highly doubt whether she is either courteous or law-abiding. I’m pretty sure she makes “california-stops” at intersections and drives at least 26mph in 25mph zones. These are technical violation of the traffic laws, but can you imagine her rage if she was pulled over? It’s easy to point fingers at cyclists, but more difficult to hold yourself to the same standard.
I bike through downtown every day.
Reading the comments in this thread, one would think biking a nightmare, with drivers honking and scowling all the time. But in reality I’m pleased to report that the vast majority of drivers are exceedingly courteous to cyclists.
In fact, I’ve found that drivers are perhaps too polite to cyclists! Upon numerous occasions I’ve yielded to a car at a 4-way stop, only to have the driver watch me stop, then wave me through. That’s very nice, if a little embarrassing.
Anyway, if you’re reading this, please don’t be afraid to bike around town. What you’re reading here are the vocal minority. Biking is the fastest way around downtown, so give it a go! Just try not to gloat in front of drivers cruising for a parking space.
This is just feel good legislation that is next to impossible to enforce. A citation will only be written if witnessed by a police officer.
I see that this law means well, but I foresee plenty o’ trouble.
@AC and Gardner. There is plenty of space outside of the crosswalks for bicycles to use in an intersection without going into the crosswalk, so there is no need for cycles to go into the cars turning lanes.
I did not say inside the crosswalks. If you look at an intersection like middlefield and Castro, you can see there is a 3-4ft buffer in front of the crosswalk and where traffic goes that can be used by bikes.
All of the comments in this string are valid! This is a situation where there is no “one answer”. Everyone needs to get along and respect each other. @”Stop signs”, I do stop fully at all stop signs and don’t remember when I last made a California stop.
This is a great forum in which to discuss problems and what to do to fix them. Everybody can be safe is everybody plays by the same set of rules. Unfortunately, we are probably the choir that is preaching to itself! Lets talk to others and expand the solutions and decrease the animosity.
My real fear is that bike riders will be hit and injured, which is always horrible. If the young lady who was crossing the street when the bike came screaming around the corner had been hit she would have been very badly injured.
Drivers should also be sure their mirrors are adjusted correctly and learn how to use them. Know where your blind spots are and turn your head to see! Look before opening your car door. Look before turning the corner. A bike may have arrived while waiting for the 4-way stop or signal to clear.
I would hope that there are classes and incentives to follow the rules. The vast increase in bike and car/truck traffic is presenting new hazards every day. Bikes, pay attention! Cars, pay attention! Most of all, be nice!
This law is incredibly stupid. It makes no exceptions for roads too narrow to accommodate both bicycles and automobiles — like Cuesta and Covington roads through Los Altos. This is especially true when the stupid bikers ride two-abreast and are chatting rather than paying attention to the traffic behind them. Bikers must realize that on automobile roads, they are guests and that autos have the right of way.
@William Hitchens
In the absence of a bike lane, cars and bikes must equally share the road under California law. Neither has a blanket right of way over the other.
After turning left from California onto Cuesta, I *should* move into the center of the single lane and block car traffic as I make my way to Vista.
Instead, I keep on the right and sweat it out hoping no one opens a door in my path and cringe as cars blow past me on the left with inches to spare.
I’ve been lucky so far, but it only takes one uninformed driver who thinks I’m breaking the law and clips me or forces me into a parked car. 🙁
So – This law will not be enforced either. No helmets on kids? When was that ever enforced? All cyclists should start with helmets – ALL! Does the CHP regulate city streets? Prob not.
California should adopt the Idaho stop: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idaho_stop
It’s stupid to require cyclists to make a complete stop at most stop signs. Let’s say a cyclist blows a stop at 5mph. Assuming 190lbs of cyclist and bike, that makes for around 214 Joules of kinetic energy.
A 3300lbs car doing a California roll around 5mph has 3740 Joules of energy, an order of magnitude more.
Obviously some cyclists go faster, I don’t think that’s necessarily safe, but I bet they’re paying more attention than your average iPhone-wielding driver.
I did a long bike ride on some of the local two lane roads yesterday. I was out there for about 5 hours and noticed a difference, maybe just an awareness on my part, but I did seem to have more cars slowing first(key), then as they passed they gave me plenty of room. It was nice.
@William Hitchens: “Bikers must realize that on automobile roads, they are guests and that autos have the right of way.”
I’m sorry but you are wrong both factually and legally. Maybe this misunderstanding of the law and your place on the road is causing the frustration you’re experiencing.
Was on my way to work this morning at 6:15. A male bicyclist wearing dark clothing on a dark colored racing bike with no lights and no visible reflectors, rode down Moffett Blvd and cut across all lanes between cars to make a left onto Middlefield.
There needs to be some requirements for lights, reflectors and light clothing for bicyclists who ride when it’s dark and ticketing of those who don’t.
@rainbow38: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc21201.htm
@sjr So there are requirements. Good. How many bicyclists know about them and where’s the enforcement?
It is a question that should be asked of all road users: Do you know the rules of the road, and where is the enforcement?
Every single day 90% of freeway drivers pass me while they drive over the speed limit. Every single day I see multiple aggressive drivers risking lives of others just to get ahead of the other guy, and every single day I hear on the radio about all the accidents caused by drivers of cars.
Wow, actual requirements!!! That is great news! Do the Mountain View Police have a bike department where folks can go to register their bikes, get the list of requirements (perhaps in an easier-to-read format) and training in using the new bike lanes?
Some of the new configurations are unfamiliar to vehicles. There is little consistency in the markings and they vary by city. The green paint should also be bright enough to see. Atherton uses avocado green which is completely invisible!
Let’s work together to straighten out this issue with the goal of mutual cooperation between vehicles and bikes.
Could the City or the Voice/Palo Alto Daily add a section to the next newsletter explaining how the new system works? And have it available in Spanish also?
No new system. It is just a new law. Consult your local vehicle code for these and other rules of the road as they pertain to cars and bikes.
For training, it is likely not needed, but if users of the road are to be trained, I would like to see training for drivers using the new merge lanes on 101 in Palo Alto. Dangerous driver behavior in that area with many accidents.
A lot of traffic tie-ups have to do with accidents and poor driving skills. Is it an accident when someone is driving fast, aggressively and inattentively?
The other reason traffic is worse than it needs to be is drives do not understand how to use the merge lanes. When exiting one roadway to get onto another, it is important to keep the vehicle speed constant and only slow after entering the merge lane. Otherwise, traffic on the road you are exiting will be impacted, often for many minutes after you failed to use the merge lane properly. (I believe in physics this phenomenon is called a “standing wave”.)
Likewise, when merging in, it is important to use the acceleration lane to bring the vehicle speed up and then merge. Failure to do this will result in more “standing waves” or accidents.
Finally, it’s best to use as much of the merge lane as possible. Slowing way down and trying to jam your way in early is blocking traffic behind you and if someone lets you in, will cause a problem there. Worst case, you can stop at the end of the lane and then merge in.
Learn these basics and traffic will flow more efficiently with less accidents. Until a critical mass of automobile drivers learn and practice these basics, it’s pointless to spend any time criticizing the non-impactful bicyclists.
My $0.02.
As long as the most important thing in a driver’s mind is to pass some car; to just get in front of them no matter what, the road will be mired in traffic snarls, death and destruction…and drivers will try to blame people on bikes.
My concern is the law stating that if the 3 foot clearance is not available, the driver must slow down to a “safe speed…” What is a “safe speed” when passing a bicycle where there is no bike lane (portions of Middlefield Road), and no room to move to another lane (at peak traffic). I would have preferred the law state the speed considered safe. Everyone would have a different point of view of a safe speed, the driver of a car versus the rider of the bike.
I have been on my bike riding on San Antonio Road, toward Los Altos, taking off when the signal light turned green, and was hit by a car who turned left. I went down, the car stopped about 50 feet away. Then when I got up, the car took off. Hit and run. I was so stunned I didn’t get the license place number fast enough as he sped away.
So, being on both sides I am aware of bicyclists, and when biking, I do obey the rules of the road.
Oh my, we’re all such big boys and girls. I bet we can figure this law out. Besides, it’s only going to be used for people driving aggressively. The day to day folks out there all getting along have nothing to worry about. If you snap and decide you’re going to teach someone a lesson, then yah, you should get a ticket for that. Otherwise, keep living life and being good to people around you and you should have no worries.
@rainbow38 I’m sure if accidents due to cyclists blowing stops and not wearing reflectors on their ankles at night start outnumbering those caused by drunk, speeding or distracted drivers, I’m sure you’ll see the enforcement stepped up.
Thank you California for telling me not to hit bicycles with my car. Hope Google programs this into their self-driving cars!
Sad that laws are needed to spell out notions of common sense.
Forcing drivers to take more decision-making time and make them more aware around cyclists is what the law is targeting, but I would like to see a similar 3 foot rule for bicyclists to keep from pedestrians. Stay off the sidewalks please!
I’m sure cyclists often feel at threat from vehicles larger than them. This is a healthy fear and related to physics: the cyclist will get creamed if competing for the same space as a vehicle. Generally speaking, on the water it is the larger ship that is given way. The practicality of this is that smaller ships are more agile and have less momentum. Again: physics. The smarter, and safer cyclist is the one who rides defensively, and doesn’t aggressively force heavier vehicles (including less capable cyclists) to make shoddy split-second decisions.
It’s worth adding to the “parade” comment above, for two-lane streets:
—–
Section 21656. On a two-lane highway where passing is unsafe because of traffic in the opposite direction or other conditions, a slow-moving vehicle, including a passenger vehicle, behind which five or more vehicles are formed in line, shall turn off the roadway at the nearest place designated as a turnout by signs erected by the authority having jurisdiction over the highway, or wherever sufficient area for a safe turnout exists, in order to permit the vehicles following it to proceed. As used in this section a slow-moving vehicle is one which is proceeding at a rate of speed less than the normal flow of traffic at the particular time and place.
Section 360 “Highway” is a way or place of whatever nature, publicly maintained and open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel. Highway includes street.
Section 21202. (a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations: … subject to the provisions of Section 21656. …
—–
So, maybe not an issue for Middlefield, San Antonio, Shoreline, Grant, ECR, or California, but do you think cyclists are prepared to pull over for traffic they are creating on the feeder streets? I’m pessimistic as they seem to enjoy blowing through stop lights and stop signs.
As a cyclist who has noticed a difference in driver’s behavior on the road regarding this issue, I thank you as do my wife and daughter. Cheers.
I am so tired of dodging bicyclists on the sidewalks. Be it in a neighborhood or in a downtown area, bicyclists think that they can ride wherever they like. Please ride on the street in the designated area and obey the traffic rules/laws and we’ll all be safer and happier.
Different Topic Peg, lets try and keep things on topic. Any comments about the 3 foot rule?
You can start a bikes on sidewalk topic as a fresh thread.
The only issue that I’ve seen with cyclists in the city so far are the ones coming down the road facing the wrong direction. I’m not sure if they’re residents of a former European or Asian country that drives on the wrong side of the road in the first place, but this is just downright ridiculous. On one occasion, a bicyclists and I almost got into a collision because as I was about to make a right turn at the intersection, low and behold comes a cyclists coming down the wrong side of the road. Is there a reason to look to the right and expect a bicyclists coming down that side, absolutely not- but beware because some are actually doing that, without no logic involved??? As for bicyclists during my morning city commute, if the space is too tight to make a pass or places on the road where it’s “Double-laned”, you can’t a pass anyways even if you tried to. That would be a road violation and you will be cited for that. Best thing to do, Calderon St. for example, is to follow along at a safe distance behind the riders. Calderon has lots of bicycle traffic and many cars parked on the sides of the road (especially nearing the intersection between Dana St. and Calderon).
If you can’t pass a bicycle with the 3 feet rule, just slow down and stay behind them until you can. Honestly, why are we rushing to simply be stopped at the red light ahead? Total trip time will not be affected very much….
To educate “Their 3ft”
It is perfectly legal for a bike to ride like a car when making a left turn, per CA law:
21202. A. Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:
When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
The law is flawed, a biker should not be situated in front of a car or use the car lanes. It’s just common sense, especially when they can press the button on the corner. But common sense is lacking in a lot of Californians. Especially bikers.
What is a “car lane”? There are roads everywhere that allow “vehicles” to go down them. Bicycles are defined as “vehicles” in California. It sounds like people have become so accustomed to bicycles not exercising their rights to use the roads, that it is creating some confusion and fear.
What I found is that if I obey the speed limit, the bicycles in front of me are not slowing me down at all. However, if I expect to go 35 in a 25, then it sure can be frustrating. But then, I’m the lawbreaker, not the cyclist.
As bicycle use continues to grow in this area, there are going to be many more “opportunities” for bicycles and cars to collide. Without a rule like this, cars will just zip by inches away from the cyclist. It’s just too easy for the car to accidentally swerve over a bit and clip (probably kill) the cyclist.
Remember, even if the automobile is driving with extreme skill (although 15 mph over the speed limit and 3 inches from the cyclist), what happens if the cyclist hits a bump? Or someone parked on the side of the street opens their door without looking? The cyclist could accidentally swerve 6 inches over and be flattened by the car.
@car driver >> Bicycles are defined as “vehicles” in California.
Don’t be so sure. Legal definition: California Vehicle Code 670. A “vehicle” is a device by which any person or property may be propelled, moved, or drawn upon a highway, excepting a device moved exclusively by human power.
Yeah, splitting hairs, but unfactual statements can weaken a position.
That said, cyclists are subject to most rules of the road, e.g. per CVC 231.
🙂 Good point musical, but as you pointed out, the vehicle code makes cars and bicycles virtually equivalent in terms of their rights to access to roads (and their responsibilities on them): The relevant CVC is actually 21200. 231 just points to the governing code.
“21200. (a) A person riding a bicycle or operating a pedicab upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division…”
@Their 3ft, you really need to go back to driving school, as you seem to not know the rules of the road.
Cyclists are required by law to follow the rules of the road as a vehicle would. It is illegal to ride in a crosswalk or on a sidewalk. If there is no bike lane on a street the cyclist is allowed full use of the street.
@Susan, you are right that a lot of cyclists don’t obey the rules of the road. But please don’t lump all cyclists together in your broad stereotyping.
Many drivers don’t obey the rules of the road either, but that doesn’t mean they are all lawless. You probably use your turn signals and don’t cut off bicyclists when making a right turn but this happens to me on a weekly basis when riding. It’s dangerous and scary and makes me suspicious of all drivers.
Both cyclists and drivers need to exercise more caution and courtesy when sharing the road. However, drivers should realize that any mistake on their part is potentially fatal to a cyclist or pedestrian. Fatal, as in you can kill someone really easily.
@Their 3ft
You get a ticket for riding a bike where pedestrians have right-of-way. Actually, that’s my bigger pet peeve: cyclists going 15mph where people are walking.
It’s no joke either. I knew a teenager who took a year to pay the ticket he got for riding his bicycle at night without lights.