SAFELY PASSING A BICYCLE                                                                 H.B. 4265 (S-1):

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 4265 (Substitute S-1 as reported)

Sponsor:  Representative Holly Hughes

House Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

Senate Committee:  Judiciary

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require a vehicle overtaking a bicycle on the right to pass at a distance of at least three feet or at a safe distance to the right of the bicycle at a safe speed.

Section 637 of the Code allows the driver of a vehicle to overtake and pass to the right of another vehicle only if certain conditions exist. The section also provides that a driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting the overtaking and passing in safety. A violation is a civil infraction.

Under the bill, the driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction, when otherwise permitted by Section 637, would have to pass at a distance of at least three feet to the right of the bicycle or, if it were impracticable to pass at that distance, at a safe distance to the right of the bicycle at a safe speed.

MCL 257.637                                                                   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.