What's happening
This bill requires vehicles overtaking bicycles from behind to leave at least three feet of space when passing.
Why it matters
Creates a clear, enforceable standard for passing bicycles. By specifying a minimum of three feet, the bill removes ambiguity from the law, making it easier for both drivers and law enforcement to understand what is required.
Aims to improve safety for cyclists. The mandated distance addresses a common cause of bicycle accidents—drivers passing too closely—which can result in collisions, loss of control, or cyclists being forced off the road.
May influence driver behavior and awareness. The explicit standard could prompt educational campaigns and raise general public awareness about sharing the road safely with cyclists, potentially reducing tensions between drivers and cyclists.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Require Three Feet Passing
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
4 Co-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-Foot Passing Distance
In Assembly Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Phil Steck
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1439
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 14, 2019
Introduced by Sens. O'MARA, CARLUCCI, FUNKE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed 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.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to operators of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle from behind
Purpose
To amend the vehicle and traffic law to allow a safe passing distance for motorists from bicyclists who share the roadway.
Summary of provisions
SECTION 1. SECTION 1122-A OF THE VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC LAW, AS ADDED BY CHAPTER 413 OF THE LAWS OF 2010.
SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE:
Justification
With the Department of Transportation actively installing bike lanes on state roadways throughout the state, this legislation is timely and necessary to support the increased bicycle traffic. A specific distance, three feet, was chosen in order to provide an easily understood distance for motorists. Specifying three feet as the minimum passing distance provides adequate space for bicyclists to safely travel on the road.
Legislative history
2018 - 1995 2016 - S6649
Fiscal implications
None
Effective date
This act shall take effect 180 days after becoming law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.