Nova Scotia is the first province in Canada to consider a law that requires motorists give bicyclists 1 metre of space — slightly more than 3 feet — when passing.
So far, 16 U.S. states have put 3-foot passing laws on the books to protect bicycle riders.
The legislation introduced Monday by Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks has other requirements as well:
— Requires cyclists to ride single file and in the same direction as traffic;
— Redefines cycling on the extreme right;
— Makes it an offense to fail to yield to a cyclist in a bicycle lane
— Prohibits parking in a bicycle lane
— Allows motorist to cross the center line to pass a bicycle, if the driver can do so safely.
The province consulted with bicyclists regarding the amendments to the motor vehicle act, according to the provincial press release.
The Halifax Metro notes that there are no penalties mentioned in the amendment for failure to follow this particular law. Estabrooks said:
“That’s a detail that’s important, and it’s a deterrent, and it will be handled with advice from the Department of Justice.”
The bill has to win approval of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly.
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