Pennsylvania now has a law requiring motorists to be at least four feet of away when passing a bicyclist when while traveling in the same direction. Along with making “buzzing” illegal, the measure also prohibits the dreaded “right hook,” when a motorist passes a bicyclist going the same direction and makes a sudden right turn.
The state Senate passed the measure in late January. It was signed by Gov. Tom Corbett on Feb. 2. The law will take effect after 60 days, on April 2. The state House had overwhelmingly passed the bill last year.
The law also clarifies a requirement that cyclists stay to the far right when traveling less than the prevailing speed, but makes allowances for obstructions and poor road conditions. It also exempts cyclists from minimum speed requirements.
Pennsylvania becomes the 19th state in the nation to have a safe passing law for cyclists. Requirements under those laws vary from a three-foot to a five-foot requirement for passing.
Lawmakers who supported the bill say the Safe Passing Law is critical to helping reduce fatalities on the road.
In 2010, 1,485 crashes involving a bicycle were reported throughout Pennsylvania, compared to 1,401 in 2009, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Pennsylvania ranked 10th nationwide with 15 bicyclist traffic deaths in 2009, the latest figures available.
