July 13, 2018
Motorists must keep a minimum safe-passing distance of 3 feet
On Saturday, a new Kentucky law goes into effect that requires motorists to scooch over in the opposing lane of traffic when passing bicyclists.
If oncoming traffic keeps drivers from using the other lane, they must keep a minimum safe-passing distance of 3 feet.
The 3-foot requirement is measured from the outermost part of the vehicle, such as the passenger-side rearview mirror, to the bicyclist’s left handlebar. If the roadway is too narrow to provide that space, the passing motorist must use “reasonable caution” when passing.
Dakota Watkins rides bicycle between 150 to 250 miles a week, mostly in the hilly east Daviess County area. He was aware of the safe-passing bike law.
“It’s a good idea,” said Watkins, cycling service and sales manager at Legends in Owensboro. “Three feet is a safe distance.”
Kentucky was the 30th state to pass a law protecting bicyclists and reminding motorists they must share the road.
In October 2016, former McCracken County Judge-Executive Van Newberry died after a passing motorist hit his bicycle, and last month, Western Kentucky University golf coach Phillip Hatchett was killed after being hit by a vehicle.
According to news reports, Newberry and Hatchett were riding the road’s white fog line when they were hit.
Besides requiring motorists to enter the other lane to pass a bike, the state’s new law allows drivers to cross double yellow lines — or no-passing zones — if the opposing lane is clear and they can do so safely.
“… (D)rivers may only pass bicycles in a no-passing zone if the roadway is unobstructed for a sufficient distance to permit safe passing,” said Jordan Smith, deputy executive director of public affairs for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. “The KRS does not authorize driving on the left side of the center of the roadway when otherwise prohibited under state law.”
Don Burdette of Owensboro owns a farm shop on Burns Road. He passes bicyclists most days as he drives to and from his shop.
He wishes there was a law that required bicyclists to ride at least 3 feet to the right of the center line. When they ride in groups of eight or more, he said they tend to take up too much room and make it hard for motorists to pass safely.
“I give them room,” Burdette said. “I’m nervous about them not seeing me or knowing I’m around.”
He feels biking on county roads creates hazards, especially when everyone doesn’t obey the rules.
“I have noticed (cyclists) don’t stop at stop signs, which they should,” Burdette said. “I don’t have a problem with them on the road, but safety is an issue.”
By Kentucky law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. They must observe the same traffic laws — signaling turns, obeying traffic lights and signs, operating with lights before sunrise and after sunset, and stopping for pedestrians.
They may ride two abreast but should not impede the normal flow of traffic.
As far as the new law goes, gauging 3 feet will be difficult for motorists, said Keith Todd, spokesman for KYT districts 1 and 2.
“If you are driving, you need to be aware of the safety of everyone,” Todd said.
By Renee Beasley Jones
The Messenger-Inquirer
