On Tuesday, January 24, 2012, the Pennsylvania Senate voted to pass HB170, a bill that would require motorists allow a minimum of four feet when passing a cyclists on the roadway.  HB 170 was introduced to the PA House of Representatives in January of 2011 by Representative Ron Miller (R-93), and was passed by the House in May of 2011.

The bill passed the Senate in a 45-5 vote and is now awaiting signature by Gov. Tom Corbett so it may become law.  Once signed into law the bill will require that:

• Bicycles must be operated in the right hand lane, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of roadway.
• This does not apply to a bicycle using any portion of the road due to unsafe surface conditions.
• Motorists must overtake a bicycle with no less than four feet between the vehicle and the bicycle and at a “prudent reduced speed”.
• No turn by a motorist may interfere with a bicycle proceeding straight.
• Bicycles may be operated at a safe and reasonable speed appropriate for bicycles.

Once law, this will further codify the rights of bicyclists to be present in the roadway.  It will also make it safer for bicyclists to be on the roadway.  Of course, the law itself will only act as a catalyst for changing the habits of motorists; both the motoring and bicycling community must be sure to act responsibly and follow all the laws governing our roadways to ensure a safe environment for all roadway uses.

UPDATE:

HB170 was signed into law by Governor Tom Corbett on Thursday, February 2, 2012.  It will become active law sixty days after signing, making April 2, 2012 the first day four foot safe passing will be law.