New Legislation May Make More Room For Cyclists
Reporting Alex DeMetrick
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) ―
It was a coincidence no one wanted, but the death last week of a bicyclist in Baltimore County is giving new emphasis to legislation that would make more room for cyclists.
Alex DeMetrick reports a police escort was brought in to make room for dozens [X 4] of cyclists traveling from Baltimore to Annapolis. It was a journey with two purposes. First, it was a memorial ride for one of their own, but it was also last minute lobbying for a bill that might help keep other riders safe.
"Larry Bensky was killed on Butler Road last Tuesday at 4:30 in the afternoon," said bicyclist John Kelly. "It's a sad occasion and we want to remember that but we also want to take the opportunity to promote safer riding."
The legislation would make it illegal for cars to come any closer than three feet when passing a cyclist.
For roads not wide enough to allow three feet between passing cars and bikes, the existing rule still applies: a car may pass only when it is safe to do so.