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Mark Your Calendars
It's taken years and the ongoing efforts of people and organizations to pass this common sense law that benefits cyclists of all kinds: The California Three Feet for Safety Act goes into effect this month on the 16th. It's pretty simple: It establishes a three foot buffer between motorists and cyclists. If the motorist can't safely pass a cyclist while maintaining the three foot buffer, they must slow to a reasonable speed to pass. Some think that language has a lot of wiggle room but one fact remains: If a motorist hits a cyclist they've likely broken the law. This is important in light of the most recent numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which show that in 2012, nationally 726 cyclists were killed and 49,000 more were injured in crashes with motor vehicles that got too close.
Many other states already have 3 foot passing rules or laws so this is not the first law of its kind and certainly wont be the last. Of course if a motorist is unaware of the new law they're not likely to follow it, and there are always those who don't get the message or ignore it; no matter. The rights of cyclists on California's roadways are taking a leap forward on September 16th. If you'd like to wear your reminder to motorists you can order 3 ft for safety jerseys and shorts. The California Bicycle Coalition has Give 3 Feet stickers and window clings on their home page.
Poor cycling habits will eventually catch up with you. Teaching children good cycling skills early or, learning better habits as an adult – chief among them are, looking before you leap and riding predictably - can pay lifelong dividends. The NHTSA has a Bicycle Safety Activity Kit for Parents/Caregivers, Teachers and Community Leaders and, closer to home the East Bay Bicycle Coalition has classroom and practical Urban Cycling classes for adults and teens.
Send your comments and suggestions to the Newsletter editor.
Links to articles of interest:
- Why cyclists should be able to roll through stop signs Read more...
- Check out the LAB Bicycle Friendly States rankings
- Jens Voigt to tackle the Hour Record Read more...
Long Term Calendar:
- October 18: Foxy's Fall Century, the DBC's own
- November 8: US Bicycling Hall of Fame 2014 Induction Ceremony
- December 8: DBC Holiday Party
- December 31: Last Chance 200K Brevet
- January 1: First Chance 200K Brevet
- February 21: Camino Real Double Century the first California DC in 2015
- March 1-31: Bicycle March Madness
- April 26: Chico Velo Wildflower
- May 16: 46th Davis Double Century
The DBC welcomes its New Members!
- Jim and Wendy Homerosky
- Jeff Minniweather
And thanks our renewing members
- Antonello Cruz family
- William Reinert
- Kathy Stewart
- Jim Wellington
- Jeremy Werner