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History
- Referred to transportation
Companion bill
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Establishes a three foot buffer zone between a motor vehicle passing a bicyclist proceeding in the same direction on a highway
In Senate Committee · Codes · Sponsor Andrea Stewart-Cousins
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:A10833
Title of bill
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to establishing a three foot buffer zone between a motor vehicle passing a bicyclist proceeding in the same direction on a highway
Purpose
The purpose of this bill is to create a three foot buffer zone between a vehicle overtaking a bicycle.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 of the bill states that this act shall be known and may be cited as "Merrill's Law."
Section 2 of the bill amends the vehicle and traffic law by adding a new section 1132 that provides for a three foot buffer zone between a motor vehicle and bicyclist while passing. This buffer zone will only be enforceable when circumstances are practicable. Any driver who violates this section shall be guilty of reckless driving and be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Section 3 of the bill is the immediate effective date.
Justification
The creation of a three foot "buffer zone" contained in the provisions of this bill will make the use of bicycle lanes safer by providing more space between the passenger side of a moving vehicle and the bicyclist. Violations of this buffer zone will result in similar penalties to that of a reckless driving charge.
Bicycling is one of the most enjoyable hobbies for many Americans. However, as the cost of oil and fuel have risen drastically over the last several years, modes of alternative transportation have become increasingly vital regarding many aspects of everyday life. Alternative transportation includes more than taking mass transit or carpooling, it now includes commuting by bike in an attempt to reduce crowding and pollution.
Recently, Merrill Cassell, a cycling advocate in Westchester County was struck by a bus on the side of a main road in White Plains and was pronounced dead a short time later. Cassell spent much of his life advo- cating for greater access to alternative transportation and sought changes that would encourage and make the use of alternative forms of transportation easier, making bicycling more than just a hobby.
This bill not only honors the life and work of Merrill Cassell but it expands opportunities for residents of New York to take change and improvement into their own hands, much like Merrill did, and help make New York a safer and cleaner place.
Legislative history
New Bill 2010
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.