Fort Wayne finally has a law stating that the minimum safe separation between a cyclist and a passing car is at least three feet!

This is a good time to remind everyone what a safe pass looks like:

Car safely passing a bike

Notice the steps of the pass:

  1. Begin to move over well behind the cyclist.
  2. Pass at a safe distance. There is a minimum of three feet between the closest points of the car and the bicyclist. Don't forget to give room for your mirrors, dual rear wheels, and trailer. On fast roads with large vehicles, the minimum safe distance may be larger.
  3. Move back into the lane well after the cyclist.

Now that the new change to the city code has been passed, the implicit minimum safe distance is now the legal minimum. The city council also made it legal for adult cyclists to use sidewalks.

Now, to pass a similar law state wide.


See also, Fort Wayne Bike Commuters: 3 foot law passed! and my safe driving around bicycles page