SAFELY PASSING A BICYCLE S.B. 123:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 123 (as reported without amendment)
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require the driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle to pass at a safe distance of at least five feet 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 vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction would have to pass at a safe distance of at least five feet 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.
Notwithstanding Section 640 (which allows the designation of no-passing zones), if it were safe to do so, the driver of a vehicle could overtake and pass the bicycle in a no-passing zone.
MCL 257.363 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: 9-29-17 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.