New Bike Safety Laws in Effect Today

As of today, July 1, the "Better Bicycling Bill" will make Georgia a more bike friendly state. 

House Bill 101, which was signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal on May 11, does several things, the most notable of which is a new requirement for motorists to maintain a three feet minimum passing distance between their vehicle and a cyclist. Georgia is the 18th state to adopt the standard, according to the Georgia Bikes organization.

The bill also outlines bicycle lane safety standards, gives cyclists the right of way when they're traveling in those bicycle lanes, designates specific conditions for a bicycle to move into the middle of a regular travel lane and allows for an extended right arm to be accepted as a right turn signal. 

Special "3 Feet 2 Pass" rides will take place throughout the state during the weekend, including an Atlanta area ride at Woodruff Park from 6 to 9 p.m.

“The passage of House Bill 101, with a 3 foot safe passing amendment, was a tremendous step forward for bicycling safety in Georgia,” Georgia Bikes Executive Director Brent Buice said in a written statement. “We recognize that the new law will only be useful if motorists are aware of it. Working with local cyclists and advocacy organizations, Georgia Bikes! is coordinating PSAs and a series of ‘3 Feet 2 Pass’ rides to raise awareness of the new law among Georgia’s drivers.”

This article first appeared on Roswell Patch.