Re: [Ebbc-Talk] SB 1464 (Gimme 3)

The text of this law refers to "motor vehicles" specifically so no, the
3-foot passing clearance does not apply when cyclists are passing other
cyclists.

As for making drivers upset by forcing them to wait, I think that is a far
more acceptable outcome than allowing unsafe passing. Cyclists are already
required to pull over at the next safe opportunity if they are holding up 3
or more other road users (used to be 5) with no place to pass, but from my
experience this is almost never the situation as the bulk of traffic is on
multi-lane streets while less trafficked single-lane roads have plenty of
openings to pass.

 This law is not the solution to everything, but it does offer cyclists
more legal protection than they already have and gives drivers a very clear
indication of what types of movements are unacceptable. If it ticks off a
couple people in the process that is their problem, but with more and more
cyclists on the streets these days I get the sense that drivers are
becoming more respectful and careful in their habits.

As for the 3-foot "feeler", I have actually heard of some cyclists trying
that out with a long, styrofoam pole. Or there is always the Safety Wing
reflector, which is a bit less goofy and works well in practice:
http://www.amazon.com/CRSWING-Safety-Wing-Cycling-Reflector/dp/B003E6L2SQ

On Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 5:27 PM, Mike Vandeman <mjvande-yBeKhBN/[email protected]> wrote:

>  At 04:49 PM 8/27/2012, Robert Prinz wrote:
>
> Hi Mike,
>
> Please note that the proposed State Bill 1464 does allow vehicles to merge
> over a solid yellow line to pass. The amendment is included below with the
> added text in blue. The "markings specified in subdivision (a) or (c)"
> refers to both solid double yellow lines, as well as one solid yellow line
> next to one broken yellow line:
>
> (f) The driver of a motor vehicle on a two-lane highway may drive to the
> left of either of the markings specified in subdivision (a) or (c) to pass
> a person operating a bicycle proceeding in the same direction if in
> compliance with Section 21751 and if both of the following conditions are
> met:
> (1) The left side of the road is clearly visible and free of oncoming
> traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit overtaking and passing of
> the bicycle to be completely made without interfering with the safe
> operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
> (2) The driver operates the motor vehicle to the left of either of the
> markings specified in subdivision (a) or (c) only to the extent reasonably
> necessary to comply with Section 21750.1.
>
> I think we all agree that more traffic calming and fewer motor vehicle
> miles traveled is a good thing, but no matter what there are always going
> to be some circumstances where bicyclists and drivers have to share space,
> and that's where this law comes in handy.
>
>
> Thanks. So if the left-hand lane has traffic, cars will be forced to wait
> for the bicyclist to pull over, which no one will be happy about. Drivers
> are used to getting what they want, and bicyclists really don't want, and
> can't afford, to have drivers angry with them.
>
> And since all traffic laws apply to everyone, will bicyclists also have to
> give each other 3' of space?
>
> Let's get more creative. How about a 3' long bike "feeler" that sets off a
> special alarm whenever a vehicle touches it?
>
>
> Now let's get a law passed that everyone who takes a test for their
> driver's license is required to memorize the section listed above!
>
> Thanks,
> -Robert Prinz
>
> On Sun, Aug 26, 2012 at 4:30 AM, Mike Vandeman <mjvande-yBeKhBN/[email protected]>
> wrote:
>  At 02:45 PM 8/24/2012, Jym Dyer wrote:
>  =v= If you haven't yet told your state legislators to vote for
> SB 1464 (safe passing, min. 3ft of clearance), now's the time:
>
>
> http://transformca.org/take-action/tell-your-legislator-pass-3-foot-protection-cyclists-california
>
>
> That's impossible. On streets with solid double center-line, a car would
> have to break the law to pass with a 3' margin. You need to address the
> root of the problem: the existence of motor vehicles. Anything less is just
> rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
>
> --
>
> I am working on creating wildlife habitat that is off-limits to humans
> ("pure habitat").
> Want to help? (I spent the previous 8 years fighting auto dependence and
> road construction.)
>
> Please don't put a cell phone next to any part of your body that you are
> fond of!
>
> http://mjvande.nfshost.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> Ebbc-Talk mailing list
> [email protected]
>  http://lists.ebbc.org/listinfo.cgi/ebbc-talk-ebbc.org
>
>
>
> --
>
> I am working on creating wildlife habitat that is off-limits to humans
> ("pure habitat").
> Want to help? (I spent the previous 8 years fighting auto dependence and
> road construction.)
>
> Please don't put a cell phone next to any part of your body that you are
> fond of!
>
>  http://mjvande.nfshost.com
>
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