BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A new Vermont law designed to strengthen protections for cyclists on busy roads went into effect on Monday. Vermont state law now mandates that motorists must leave a 4-foot distance between their vehicle and cyclists when passing.
“Think it’s a great law. I wish it were a law everywhere,” said Richard Ingram of Nashua, New Hampshire, a cyclist who supports the move to further protect bicycle riders from vehicles. “To make it a mandate, I think it’s a great idea. Because as a cyclist, I need space and as a motorist, I want to give a cyclist space.”
The four-foot buffer when cars are passing has been a recommendation for several years, but now it’s codified into law.
“Hopefully, it just brings kind of awareness to the idea that you need to be aware of the passing zones. And how the bicycles are relating, moving in relation to the automobiles,” said Jake Hollenbach of the Skirack.
The law mandates that motorists slow down and pass with at least four feet of buffer. It also allows drivers to pass the center line to give cyclists more room in certain circumstances.
“I absolutely think it’s a positive thing. I think that cyclists deserve to share the road as much as cars do,” said Maya Bailey of South Burlington. “Bike accidents are very scary. And if this helps prevent them in some way. I think that’s really awesome.”
Fines will be at least $200 if a motorist is caught violating the law. However, enforcement could be difficult.
“What the local law enforcement chooses to do with this and how they incorporate it into what they’re doing will be the kind of key piece to see,” Hollenbach said.
Cyclists say this could be a difficult law to enforce but they do say it’s a positive step forward that motorists will have cyclist safety more at the forefront of their minds when driving.