Full Notification

3 Feet for safety act goes into effect today.
Here are some tips for motorists & bicyclists:
o Look for people bicycling. When preparing to enter the roadway or make a turn, look carefully for oncoming bicyclists.

o Give at least 3 feet. Do not overtake or pass a person bicycling too closely. California law requires a standard minimum distance of three feet between any part of the motor vehicle and any part of the bicycle or its operator.

o Have patience. Be aware that when a lane is too narrow for vehicles and bikes to be safely side by side, bicyclist should ride in or near the center of that lane to discourage motorists from unsafe passing.

When bicycling on the road:

o Go With the Traffic Flow. Ride on the right in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic.

o Obey All Traffic Laws. Stop at red lights and stop signs and yield to pedestrians.

o Increase Your Visibility. Wear fluorescent or brightly colored clothing during the day, dawn, and dusk. When you ride at night, you must have a white headlight and red lights or reflectors on the back of your bike, white or yellow reflector on each pedal or a bicyclist’s shoe or ankles, and side reflectors (unless the bicycle is
equipped with reflectorized tires.). (CVC 21201)

o Stay Alert at All Times. Use your eyes and ears. To be able to listen for dangerous situations, do not use headphones or earplugs in both ears while riding. (CVC 27400)

o Look Before Turning. When turning or changing lanes, always look behind you for a break in traffic, signal, and then check again before making the turn. As you approach intersections, be aware of the people behind, beside, and in front of you who may try to cross your path. Watch out for left or right-turning traffic; these are the most frequent motorist-caused bicycle crashes.

o Watch for Parked Cars. Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars (drivers may pull out in front of you or open a door in your path.)

o Give and Get Respect. Allow faster traffic to pass when it’s safe; avoid needlessly blocking the road.

We hope these tips help you stay safe and uninjured on our roadways. Our goal is to create a safe enviroment for both bicylists and motorists. Stay safe!