 | The examples and perspective in this article may not represent a
worldwide view of the subject. (October 2023) |
The 3-feet law, also known as the 3-foot law or safe passing law, is a bicycle law that requires passing motor vehicles to allow room, generally 3 feet (0.91 m), for bicycles. The policy has gained significant interest in state legislatures in a number of states across the world.
United States
Wisconsin became the first US state to employ this law in 1973, and since then 34 other states have followed suit.[ citation needed]
Skepticism
However, some people[ who?] doubt that laws like this can be enforced properly, and whether 3 feet (0.91 m) is even enough space for a bicyclist. Some bicyclists[ who?] believe that laws that require they ride on the side of a particular lane could increase the risk of dooring and debris. [1]
Advocacy
There are also multiple campaigns and organizations[ which?] advocating for this change in the US, using methods like cycling jerseys with text on and convincing the government to put up road signs. [2] [3] In the United Kingdom, a 2018 survey conducted for Cycling UK concluded that more than 50% of British adults were unaware of the Highway Code regulations about overtaking cyclists, [4] and 1 in 10 British adults would be leaving cyclists a dangerously low amount of space when overtaking. The same organization that reported on this also started a campaign to provide police forces across the UK with close pass mats to educate the public about safe passing. [5]
See also
References
- ^ "Safely Passing Bicyclists Chart". www.ncsl.org. Retrieved 2023-07-15.
- ^ "Give 3 Feet | Cascade Bicycle Club". cascade.org. Retrieved 2023-07-15.
- ^ "3 Feet Please". 3 Feet Please. Retrieved 2023-07-15.
- ^ "The Highway Code – Using the road (159 to 203) – Guidance – GOV.UK". www.gov.uk. Retrieved 2023-07-16.
- ^ "Half of all drivers unaware of Highway Code advice on safe passing cyclists | Cycling UK". www.cyclinguk.org. Retrieved 2023-07-16.