SAFELY PASSING A BICYCLE H.B. 4185 (H-3):
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
House Bill 4185 (Substitute H-3 as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Representative John Bizon, M.D.
House Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require the driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle to pass to the left of the bicycle at a distance of at least three feet or a safe distance at a safe speed from the bicycle.
The Code establishes rules governing the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction. A violation is a civil infraction.
Under the bill, the driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction would have to pass at a distance of at least three feet to the left of the bicycle or, if it were impracticable do so, at a safe distance to the left of the bicycle at a safe speed and, when safely clear of the overtaken bicycle, would have to take up a position as near the right-hand edge of the main traveled portion of the highway as practicable.
Notwithstanding Section 640 (which allows the designation of no-passing zones), if it were safe to do so, the driver of a vehicle could overtake and pass the bicycle in a no-passing zone.
MCL 257.636 Legislative Analyst: Jeff Mann
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State and could have a small positive impact on local government. Any increase in revenue from civil infractions would be dedicated to public libraries.
Date Completed: 6-12-18 Fiscal Analyst: Ryan Bergan
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.