I'm frankly surprised that there's not already a law on the books requiring a brake. (There is in the Boise City Code, but I can't find one in the State books.)

These proposals seem so "no-brainer" that one wonders whether they're really needed?
- You can't throw stuff at cyclists? Really?!?
- You can't come swerving off the sidewalk into traffic? How many times will you break THAT rule?!!

(I WOULD like to see it clarified that motorists can cross the double-yellow line to pass cyclists - and pedestrians, mail delivery vehicles, farm equipment, etc - when there's adequate sight distance.)

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I just recently moved into the area and I love the number of bicycles and I think bills protecting cyclists are a great idea. In Lewiston, ID, where I just moved from, you could not ride a bike without people honking and yelling to get off the road at places where there were no sidewalks even. There are two sides to this issue though. I do not know about anyone else but I have never had a cyclist pull off the road to let me pass while driving. I feel like all the pressure is being put on the drivers when really, cyclists should also be responsible to ride smart. I've had to pass bikes while running late for work driving down the middle of the street where even crossing into the other lane did not provide three feet of clearance. The crackdown on requiring brakes barely deals with this issue. I feel that the bills overall are a great idea but need to go a little further.

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here's my 2 cents. i really dont like any of these laws at all. the three foot law is used in CA, but never enforced, resulting in many injuries even deaths. i feel as if all three of these laws could be worked around by making idaho safer for cyclists- implementing more bike lanes as well as teaching cycling advocacy and safety.

negative consequences for cyclists are never the route to go. it only turns them off from riding.

http://bomb-hills-speed-kills.blogspot.com…

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Most of the time, folks that ride without brakes are extremely skilled, at least here in Philly. I don't ride a bike without a brake because I know I'm not good enough yet. Why legislate it?

Until folks start remembering that cars are the deadly weapon that we let everyone have, even kids who are clearly not capable of driving them, instead of "making bikes safer by discouraging people from riding them" we will continue to have this kind of crap that isn't going to be enforce, etc.

And to the person who didn't have bikes "pull off the road so she can pass," really? Am I really going to pull off into the gravel shoulder on my single speed while I also ride to work thank you and run the risk of crashing just so you can get to work faster because you didn't get up early enough, etc.? According to most state laws, I have just as much right to the road as you and just because I am not driving a 2000+ pound monster down the road doesn't mean I have to move over for you. Be patient, get up earlier, or start riding a bike to work yourself. It will make you a better person in no time flat.

http://thekidrants.blogspot.com/

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Jmik, California, unfortunately, is not a "3 foot law" state. Certainly, should be.

While cycling is safe, sharing space on our roads is becoming hazardous and the growing number of cyclists must find ways to protect themselves. So I commend Boise Sen. Elliot Werk for rolling up his sleeves and working to help protect the lives of Idaho cyclists. Adopting a law that requires motorists to give cyclists 3 feet clearance when passing from the rear is a no brainer. Fourteen states and a growing number of cities have seen the wisdom and value of having such a law on the books. This value isn’t found in giving motorists tickets, but rather, in using the law as a tool to help educate motorists on what is considered a minimum safe passing distance–at least 3 feet, please.

Indeed, changing motorist behavior will save lives, but it is also important to understand that changing cyclist behavior is where we can make the greatest impact on cyclist safety because cyclists, not motorists have a very strong personal interest in modifying their behavior to be visible and predicable…the keys to safe cycling. Bottom line, cyclists can solve a majority of their own problems by riding visibly and predictably. And let me say this, it is hard to be predictable without brakes.

For those who will claim that a 3 foot clearance law is only a “feel good” and unenforceable law I say hogwash. Energetic law enforcement agencies who understand their mission to protect and serve the members of their communities waste no time in rolling up their sleeves and finding ways to do their job. And some of the best do it without issuing one single ticket—pure education.

The question is really very simple: will a 3 foot law save cyclists’ lives? The answer is, YES. And here’s the great news: making cycling safer can encourage non-cyclists to give the sport a try. As more people appreciate and enjoy cycling, we improve safety for everyone. And when that happens we can all feel good.

Make it happen Idaho...and start saving lives.

Thank you,
Joe Mizereck
joe@3feetplease.com

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To kapokkid, I was referencing the part of the already existing law that states that cyclists should pull over to allow cars to pass, not just my own opinion. I was simply pointing out that the current law doesn't cut it. I would ride my bike every day to work if I could but I work throughout the treasure valley and transport clients every day. Not to mention, contrary to popular belief, just because you ride a bike to work that does not automatically make you a better person than everybody else.

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