Bicycling And The Law - 911law.com

    In today’s podcast, Richard L. Duquette discusses the area motorists are to allow a cyclist when passing in The 3 Foot for Safety Act Proving a Violation.   What the Law Says   In CA a motorist cannot tailgate or pass in a reckless manner. They must slow down to a reasonable speed and pass with at least 3 feet clearance between them and the cyclist.   Enforcing the Law   A motorist that buzzes a cyclist can be cited. Accidents often happen because motorists misjudge their vehicle mirrors and/or a cyclist’s speed. Motorists are required to pass without impeding the cyclist they are overtaking. The new law uses objectivity of a yardstick to enforce the distance.   Proving a Violation   Many cyclists are buzzed by large vehicles and buses. You will need to have the license plate and a witness. Many public transportation buses contain video cameras and Zonar GPS. You can use that footage as proof as well.   Overtaking Violation   When a motorist passes but misjudges his right rear when overtaking and pass too