SAFELY PASSING A BICYCLE S.B. 123 (S-1):
SUMMARY OF BILL
ON THIRD READING
Senate Bill 123 (Substitute S-1 as reported by the Committee of the Whole)
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require the driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle to pass at a distance of at least three feet or a safe distance from the bicycle.
The Code establishes rules governing the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction. A violation is a civil infraction.
Under the bill, the driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction would have to pass at a distance of at least three feet or a safe passing distance to the left of the bicycle and, when safely clear of the overtaken bicycle, would have to take up a position as near the right-hand edge of the main traveled portion of the highway as practicable.
If it were safe to do so, the driver of a vehicle could overtake and pass a bicycle in a no-passing zone.
MCL 257.636 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 governments. Any increase in revenue from civil infractions would be dedicated to public libraries.
Date Completed: 5-22-18 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.