House Republican Press Release

September 23, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. STRIPP: REMINDS MOTORISTS OF NEW THREE FOOT LAW FOR BICYCLES

WESTON - State Rep. John Stripp would like to remind residents of Weston, Easton and Redding that motorists must now give at least 3 feet when the driver of a vehicle overtakes and passes a person riding a bicycle. The new law was passed in the 2008 regular session which adjourned on May 7th.

According to Public Act 08-101, any vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction must pass to its left at a safe distance and not move right until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. The law specifies that in the case of a vehicle overtaking and passing a bicyclist, a safe distance is at least three feet.

Rep. Stripp said, "The current popularity with the sport of bicycling should remind us all, it is important to protect both cyclists and motorists. Hopefully this new law accomplishes that end."

The new law was part of the omnibus Department of Transportation bill passed each session by the legislature. The bill was passed unanimously by both the House of Representatives and the State Senate.

The law is effective October 1, 2008.