(Update: April 27, 2008 — Bill failed to pass. See comments.)
The Maryland House of Delegates is the latest legislature to take up the road safety issue that motorists must give bicycle riders a 3-foot clearance when passing.
Three-foot passing laws are in effect in at least a dozen states. Meanwhile, Bicycle Colorado distributes these nifty window stickers to car owners who purchase “Share the Road” license plates.
The Maryland bill is a top priority of One Less Car, which helped the Maryland Department of Transportation draft. It died in the House Environmental Matters Committee last year, so advocates are asking Maryland residents to contact their delegates, especially those on the committee.
Contact legislators
The so-called Bicycle Safety Bill is HB 143 (.pdf document). Bicycle advocates are calling on Catonsville, Severn, Parkville, Annapolis and Dundalk residents to contact their legislators who are members of the environmental committee.
You can check the “find your legislator” website to identify your delegate and learn how to contact him or her.
Last year the committee rejected it after some delegates were bothered that motorist might be inconvenienced by having to slow down to pass a bicycle.
Here's more information at Baltimore Spokes.
Stiffen penalties
The group also is seeking passage of another bill that creates the crime “manslaughter by vehicle” that mandates a fine and jail time to anyone convicted of causing the death of a person due to “criminally negligent” operation of a motor vehicle.
That bill, HB 667, is necessary because the “gross negligence” law under which such crimes are now prosecuted requires evidence that the suspect purposely drove into someone.
Other states
Illinois passed a 3-foot passing law last year. Other states with the law include Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin.
In addition, the state of Washington driver's manual tells motorists to give bicycle riders 3-foot when passing.
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