DISTANCE WHEN PASSING A BICYCLIST

House Bill 4185 (proposed H-3 substitute)

Sponsor:  Rep. John Bizon, M.D.

Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

Complete to 5-29-18

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4185 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require the driver of a vehicle overtaking and passing a bicycle going in the same direction to pass at a safe distance of at least three feet to the left of the bicycle or, if that distance is impracticable, at a safe distance to the left at a safe speed. The bill would also allow the driver to overtake and pass the bicycle in a no-passing zone if it is safe to do so.

A person who violated the proposed requirements would be responsible for a civil infraction.

The bill would take effect 90 days after being enacted.

MCL 257.636

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4185 would increase revenues to the state. Revenue collected from payment of civil infraction penalties is deposited into the state Justice System Fund, which supports various justice-related endeavors in the judicial and legislative branches of government and the Departments of State Police, Corrections, Health and Human Services, and Treasury.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Robin Risko

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.