NYBC: Making New York State An Even Better Place For Bicyclists
Welcome to the online home of the New York Bicycling Coalition, the premier resource for bicycling advocacy and information in New York State. We work every day to make New York State an even better place for bicyclists. Want to help? Join today!
This site offers access to information on a number of programs including NYBC’s current efforts to promote Share the Road material, our annual Events Calendar and links to cycling clubs and other bicycling related sites. Check our News page often to stay informed on current issues concerning bicycling & pedestrian advocates in NYS.
LATEST NEWS
For more stories, visit our News page.
New York Bicycling Coalition Commends State Legislature, Governor On Enactment Of Safe Passing Law
(August 16, 2010) ALBANY — The New York Bicycling Coalition congratulates the state legislature and Governor David Paterson for enacting a law mandating that drivers pass cyclists at a safe distance when traveling on New York’s roads. Although the law does not set a specific distance, the text of the law states that three feet is considered a safe distance, and that sometimes an even greater passing distance is necessitated by road conditions.
From the New York Senate site:
Each year while riding on the right side of the road, bicyclists are hurt or killed because they are hit by drivers in vehicles that pass too closely to them. For this reason, seventeen states have enacted safe passing laws. Several states, including Connecticut, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Utah, have specified that when passing a person riding a bicycle going in the same direction, a distance of no less than three feet must be maintained between the vehicle and the bicyclist. A minimum of three feet is considered a safe distance in most circumstances. There are, however, occasions when a distance greater than three feet is necessary in order to pass at a safe distance. For example, the adverse impact of wind blast and debris kicked up from vehicles passing too closely to bicyclists may cause a bicyclist to swerve and crash. A safe buffer between the motorist and the cyclist is needed in such common circumstances as when a cyclist needs to maneuver around cracks, potholes, or the hazard of an opening door from a parked car. Another way to help ensure the safety of bicyclists who ride on the state highways would be to create marked bicycle lanes. However, many highways throughout the state are too narrow to accommodate bicycle lanes, and the cost of constructing such lanes would be prohibitive. By mandating passing at “a safe distance,” this legislation will serve to educate the public about the need for motor vehicles and bicyclists to share our roads safely. A violation will result in a traffic infraction, deterring vehicles from passing at a distance that may harm or kill bicyclists.
The governor signed the bill on August 13 and announced the move on August 15. For more information on the new law, which takes effect Nov. 1, 2010, visit the New York State Senate’s page for the bill: http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S7897.
NYBC Board Member Stars In Video About Bikeable Buses
(July 13) — Our own Claire Nolan is the star of a new video produced by the Capital District Transportation Authority. The video is about the bike racks installed on CDTA buses. To see Claire in action, visit the NYBC blog. Way to go, Claire!
Photos From Albany’s Traffic Skills 101 Class
(July 1) — Enjoy some photos from the current session of Traffic Skills 101 being offered in Albany, NY. Click here to see the photos. Want to join in the fun and learn some valuable cycling skills? The course is being taught this summer in Cooperstown, too. Visit our Programs page for details.
NYBC Is Now On Facebook And Twitter
The New York Bicycling Coalition is on Facebook and Twitter. Please “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
