DISTANCE WHEN PASSING A BICYCLIST
House Bill 4265 (proposed H-3 substitute)
Sponsor: Rep. Holly Hughes
Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
Complete to 3-5-18
REVISED SUMMARY:
House Bill 4265 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require the driver of a vehicle overtaking and passing a bicycle to pass at a distance of 3 feet when practicable.
Under the bill, the driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle going in the same direction and passing it on the left would have to pass at a distance of 3 feet to the left of the bicycle or, if that distance is impracticable, at a safe distance to the left at a safe speed. If safe to do so, the driver could drive to the left of the center of the highway to pass the bicycle, even if the vehicle is in a no-passing zone at the time.
The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle going in the same direction and passing it on the right—if otherwise allowed to pass on the right under Section 637—would have to pass at a distance of 3 feet to the right of the bicycle or, if that distance is impracticable, at a safe distance to the right at a safe speed.
A person who violated these proposed requirements would be responsible for a civil infraction under the Vehicle Code.
The bill would take effect August 1, 2019.
MCL 257.636 and 257.637
FISCAL IMPACT:
House Bill 4265 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 branch and the Departments of State Police, Corrections, and Health and Human Services.
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.