“Three Feet for Safety Act” for Bicyclists
There are so many great reasons to ride your bike: It offers fun, freedom and exercise, and it's good for the environment. We want kids and families to ride their bikes as much as possible. The San Gabriel Police Department would like to remind the public that on September 16, 2014, a new law affecting motorists and bicyclists takes effect. According to Section 21760 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC), a driver must allow three feet of distance when overtaking or passing a bicyclist. If three feet is not available, a driver must then slow to a safe speed and pass when no danger is present.
The danger surrounding motor vehicle traffic is just one aspect of a child's safe passage to and from school. According to Safekids.org, more children ages 5 to 14 are seen in emergency rooms for injuries related to bicycling than any other sport. Bicycle helmets, which are required by law for children under 18 years of age in California, can reduce the risk of severe brain injuries by 88 percent - yet only 45 percent of children 14 and under usually wear them. The San Gabriel Police Department joins with Safekids.org in offering the following traffic safety tips for bicyclists:
-We have a simple saying: "Use your head, wear a helmet." It is the single most effective safety device available to reduce head injury and death from bicycle crashes.
-Tell your kids to ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against it. Stay as far to the right as possible. Use appropriate hand signals and respect traffic signals, stopping at all stop signs and stoplights.
-Teach your kids to make eye contact with drivers. Bikers should make sure drivers are paying attention and are going to stop before they cross the street.
-When riding at dusk, dawn or in the evening, be bright and use lights – and make sure your bike has reflectors as well. It's also smart to wear clothes and accessories that have retro-reflective materials to improve biker visibility to motorists.
-Actively supervise children until you're comfortable that they are responsible to ride on their own.
Address/Location
City of San Gabriel
425 S Mission Dr
San Gabriel, CA 91776
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 626-308-2800