SAFE PASSING OF A BICYCLE                                                               S.B. 1076 (S-2):

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 1076 (Substitute S-2 as reported)

Sponsor:  Senator Margaret E. O'Brien

Committee:  Judiciary

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require the driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction to pass at a safe distance of at least five feet to the left of the bicycle and, when safely clear of the overtaken bicycle, to take up a position as near the right-hand edge of the main traveled portion of the highway as practicable. If it were safe to do so, the driver could pass the bicycle in a no passing zone.

The Code allows the driver of a vehicle to pass another vehicle upon the right of it only under specified conditions.

Under the bill, the driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle, when otherwise permitted by these provisions, would have to pass at a safe distance of at least five feet to the right of the bicycle.

MCL 257.636 & 257.637                                            Legislative Analyst:  Patrick Affholter

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State and could have a small positive impact on local governments. Any increase in revenue from civil infractions would be dedicated to public libraries.

Date Completed:  9-27-16                                                    Fiscal Analyst:  Ryan Bergan

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.