3 Feet Please

After nearly getting creamed last week while riding my bike, I went online and did some research about laws concerning bike in North Carolina:

Passing a Bicycle
A motorist overtaking a bicycle must pass at least two (2) feet to the left of the bicyclist and must not move back to the right side of the highway until safely past the overtaken bicycle. [§20-149(a)]
A motorist may not drive left of the center of the highway to pass a vehicle, including a bicycle, in these circumstances:
• Unless the left side is clearly visible and free of
oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead
that the motorist can pass the bicyclist safely.
[§20-150(a)]
• On the crest of a hill or at a curve in the road
where the driver cannot see at least 500 feet ahead. [§20-150(b)]
• At any railroad grade crossing or intersection,
unless directed to do so by a traffic control
officer. [§20-150(c)]
• Where the Department of Transportation has
placed signs or markers indicating that passing
should not be attempted. [§20-150(d)] and [(e)]

Riding Two or More Abreast
There is no law that requires bicyclists to ride single file, nor is there a law that gives cyclists the right to ride two or more abreast. Some other states address this issue in their statutes, but there is no consistent treatment. It is always important to ride responsibly and courteously, so that cars may pass safely.
(Source: A guide to NC Bicycle and Pedestrian Laws)

Very interesting.

Several states have a 3 foot passing law. A vehicle must give a bicycle 3 feet of space while passing. Check out this web-site: www.3feetplease.com . With fall just around the corner, I ordered one of the long sleeve jerseys. Get one for yourself and help make your town safer for cyclists!!

There is also this really cool web-site: Road Guardian. It is a data base of trouble spots around the world. You simply register, log in, then report any time you find a trouble spot while cycling.

This could be such a useful tool in developing safer roadways for cycling and motorists to share. Please sign up and do your part.

A couple more useful sites:
http://www.abptaskforce.org/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU4nKKq02BU

Have a great day.