Hey drivers, new law requires 3 feet to pass bicyclists, walkers
From 2005 to 2016, the number of fatal traffic crashes with bicyclists and pedestrians rose, according to Washington Traffic Safety Commission data. Globally, about 600,000 vulnerable road users (people not in enclosed vehicles) die each year, per a 2009 World Health Organization report.
For however safe we engineer vehicles with air bags, detection sensors, lights that angle for a turn, and seat belts, any person not in them remains as unprotected and disadvantaged against them as people did when the horse was the fastest way to travel.
That’s why the Washington State Legislature overwhelmingly (but not unanimously) approved last year a “move over” law that took effect in January. It specifies how someone on a road should use it, whether they drive a car or combine, ride a bike, Harley-Davidson or a mule, or use a tractor or wheelchair.
Drivers who want to pass someone not in a car on the shoulder must give at least 3 feet between them. Previously the law required motorists to pass at a safe distance, but didn’t specify that space. Enforcement is up to deputies, police and state troopers.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/hey-drivers-new-law-requires-3-feet-to-pass-bicyclists-walkers/
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