What's happening
This bill requires drivers overtaking bicycles from behind to leave at least three feet of space when passing.
Why it matters
Creates a clear, enforceable standard. for how much space drivers must leave when passing cyclists, moving from a vague "safe distance" to a specific three-foot requirement. This can help both motorists and law enforcement understand expectations and responsibilities.
Could improve cyclist safety. by reducing close passes, which are a leading cause of crashes and injuries for people riding bikes on roads shared with cars.
May encourage more people to bike. by addressing a common safety concern (fear of being passed too closely by vehicles), potentially promoting healthier transportation choices and reducing traffic congestion.
Aligns New York with other states. that already have three-foot passing laws, providing consistency for drivers and cyclists who travel between states and supporting broader efforts to improve road safety for all users.
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Who cares
Bicyclists
The bill would require vehicles overtaking them from behind on the same side of a roadway to pass at least three feet to their left until safely clear.
Drivers
The bill would replace the existing requirement to pass bicycles at a safe distance with a minimum three-foot clearance.
Traffic enforcement agencies
The bill would give officers a specific minimum passing distance to enforce when vehicles overtake bicycles.
Headline styles
Require Three-Foot Passing Distance
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
14 Co-sponsors
3 Multi-sponsors
History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Require Three Feet Passing
In Senate Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Thomas F. O'Mara
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
283
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY (Prefiled)
January 9, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. STECK, ENGLEBRIGHT, PALMESANO, RAIA, FAHY, JAFFEE, LUPARDO, PALUMBO, FINCH, CAHILL, SIMON, GUNTHER -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. LENTOL, McDONOUGH, THIELE -- read once and referred to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to operators of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle from behind
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 1122-a of the vehicle and traffic law, as added by chapter 413 of the laws of 2010, is amended to read as follows:
§ 1122-a. Overtaking a bicycle. The operator of a vehicle overtaking, from behind, a bicycle proceeding on the same side of a roadway shall pass to the left of such bicycle at a [safe] distance of not less than three feet until safely clear thereof.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03520-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.