SAFELY PASSING A BICYCLE H.B. 4265 (S-1):
SUMMARY OF SUBSTITUTE BILL
IN COMMITTEE
House Bill 4265 (Substitute S-1)
Sponsor: Representative Holly Hughes
House Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
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.
The bill would take effect on August 1, 2019.
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.
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.