A new California law will require drivers to stay three feet from bicycles. The legislation takes effect on September 16, and is intended to clarify existing laws, which say only that drivers must pass cyclists by a “safe distance.”
But is the new law enforceable? Assemblyman Steven Bradford says that “Law enforcement won’t have a ruler or yard stick out to measure that,” and that the heart of the law is focused on education. The Auto Club of Southern California is part of the awareness campaign for the bike buffer -- proponents are hoping that the law will help people consider bikers more seriously.
Is the bike buffer the best way to keep bikers safe? Is it possible that it could make the road more dangerous for cars trying to keep a legal distance? How will law enforcement in the LA area approach the new law?
Guest:
Sergeant Stephen Egan, LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division