The Virginia Bicycling Federation discussing problems with their 3′ law:
…Here are some of the objections raised, with my response to each:
“Bicyclists are often law breakers, unworthy of any added protection under the law.”
Don’t many drivers fit this category too? Yet they receive protection.
“Bicyclists are inconsiderate when they delay drivers from getting to their destinations, especially in narrow lanes or roads.”
Drivers delay other drivers too. To get on a major arterial near my house in a car, I am often am the only vehicle tripping the traffic signal. This stops upwards of 20-30 cars for 30 seconds or longer. Everyone waits patiently while I get on the highway, then we all travel together about a half mile or so down the road where the process repeats itself. No one honks, screams obscenities, or throws things at me. Yet bicyclists often receive harsh treatment for allegedly impeding a single motorist by far less. This same heat and intimidation was evident in each of the hearings I attended.
The public roads are just that — public, available on a first come, first served principle.
“A 3 ft. passing rule would inconvenience and hazard motorists by requiring them to move into the adjacent or oncoming travel lanes.”
As any experienced cyclist will tell you, this is already a frequent case under the existing law. The new law would have had little to no impact on the vast majority of drivers who pass us safely already. It’s the ones who don’t understand what a safe passing distance is that we are most concerned with. In addition 3 feet accounts for the typical wobble of many cyclists and children, and helps to prevent crashes where a cyclist gets startled and loses control. In short, the changes were not totally about the spandex mafia, though that’s how the legislation was portrayed by opponents.
“Bicyclists should police themselves before coming in asking for added legal protections.”
“Policing ourselves” clean before any headway can be made in bike safety legislation is an impossible standard to meet. It’s unfair too — we don’t ask drivers to police other drivers. Can you imagine AAA warning and cajoling red light runners and speeders? Yet that is what we are being asked. If people are breaking the law to the extent that it is a concern, it should be up to the police to enforce those laws.
Those were the main arguments against. If you are thinking, “Where’s the beef?” you are not alone.
https://www.vabike.org/three-feet-to-pass-resistance/
Related (Where the title comes from): https://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=4956oldId.20100219132333732