SAFELY PASSING A BICYCLE H.B. 4185 (H-3):
SUMMARY OF HOUSE-PASSED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
House Bill 4185 (Substitute H-3 as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative John Bizon, M.D.
House Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require the driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle to pass to the left of the bicycle at a distance of at least three feet or a safe distance at a safe speed 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 motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction would have to pass at a distance of at least three feet to the left of the bicycle or, if it were impracticable do so, at a safe distance to the left of the bicycle at a safe speed 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.
The bill would take effect 90 days after enactment.
MCL 257.636 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 government. Any increase in revenue from civil infractions would be dedicated to public libraries.
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.