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Every day, people in Chautauqua County share our roads. Most of us do so behind the wheel of a car or truck, but many of our neighbors travel by bicycle--for exercise, recreation, transportation, or simply because they enjoy riding.
When a bicycle and a motor vehicle meet on the road, there is an obvious difference in size and weight. A moment of inattention or a vehicle passing too closely can have devastating consequences for the person on the bicycle.
That is why I am proposing a local law requiring motorists to allow at least three feet of space when passing a bicyclist.
New York State law already requires motorists to exercise "due care" and pass bicyclists at a safe distance.The problem is that "safe distance" can mean different things to different people. Establishing a three-foot minimum provides drivers with a simple, understandable standard:
Give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing.
This is not about punishing drivers. It is about making our roads safer for everyone who uses them.
A three-foot passing requirement does not mean a driver must squeeze past a bicyclist when conditions are unsafe. Quite the opposite. If there is not enough room to provide three feet safely, the responsible thing to do is slow down and wait until it is safe to pass. A few extra seconds of patience are a small price to pay for protecting someone’s life.
Thirty-three states and the District of Columbia already have laws establishing a three-foot passing distance. Within New York, Monroe, Suffolk and Cortland counties have enacted similar requirements. State legislation establishing a statewide three-foot standard has also been introduced but has not yet passed both houses of the Legislature.
Chautauqua County should not have to wait for Albany to act before we take a reasonable step to protect our residents.
This proposal is also about establishing a clear expectation for everyone. Motorists should know what is expected of them when approaching a bicyclist from behind, and bicyclists should know that the law recognizes their right to a reasonable amount of space on the road.
We often talk about making Chautauqua County a healthier, more attractive place to live. That includes encouraging outdoor recreation and making our communities more accessible to people who choose to walk or ride a bicycle. But we cannot encourage people to use our roads for recreation and transportation while ignoring the safety risks they face.
There is nothing partisan about wanting our neighbors to get home safely.
As a county legislator, I believe one of our most basic responsibilities is protecting the health, safety and welfare of the people we represent. A three-foot passing requirement is a modest, common-sense measure that can help accomplish that goal.
The next time you see a bicyclist on the road, remember that there is a person on that bicycle – a parent, grandparent, child, friend or neighbor.
Slow down. Give them room. Give them three feet.
It could make all the difference.
Tom Nelson is a Jamestown resident who represents District 13 in the Chautauqua County Legislature.