Bicyclists in Colorado on Wednesday began riding with a new state law that requires motorists to pass them with no less than three feet of clearance. The law also allows the motorists to cross the yellow center line when necessary to pass cyclists and allows bicyclists to ride closer to the center when there is debris on the shoulder or pavement at the edge of the roadway is in disrepair.
The Colorado state senator who proposed the legislation called it a “common sense” approach. “We just made the safest thing to do legal,” said Sen. Greg Brophy, a Republican, told the Denver Post.
Similar legislation was proposed earlier this year in Pennsylvania. The companion bills, in the state House and Senate, made it only as far as their respective transportation committees.
Senate Bill 776 has 14 sponsors. One of those, Sen. Mike Folmer, a Lebanon County Republican, represents a small part of northwestern Lancaster County. It has languished since April. House Bill 1110 has 45 sponsors. One of those is Rep. Mike Sturla, a Lancaster City Democrat. That bill was referred to the House Transportation Committee in March. No amendments have been offered and no action has been taken.
With the General Assembly embroiled in the current budget battle with Gov. Ed Rendell, no action is expected on the bills in the near future.
