Support: SB 97 – Three Foot Passing Bill

The Virginia Bicycle Federation (VBF) has been hard at work this winter during the Virginia General Assembly trying to pass a number of bicycle related bills. One of the most important is the three-foot passing bill which would require motorists to give cyclists three feet when passing on a road. The VBF has been working to pass this bill for a number of years and is now closer than ever with the bill making it out of Senate and soon up for a floor vote by the House of Delegates. There is a ready made form for you to contact your delegate. So what are you waiting for? Tell your Delegate that you support a 3-foot passing law!

From the VBF:

This the final hurdle. The Virginia House of Delegates will vote this week on the Three Foot Passing Bill. This legislation would require motorists give at least three feet of clearance while passing bicyclists. 22 other states and the District of Columbia have similar statutes requiring motorists to pass by three feet or more. The safe passing bill has passed the Senate and received a favorable vote in the House Transportation Committee, we expect a full House vote soon. Please take one minute and ask your Delegate to support the Three Foot Passing Bill

SB 97, three foot passing: would require motorists to leave three feet of clearance while passing people on bikes — in line with the 22 other states plus DC that have a minimum passing distance.

 Sample Letter to be found on online form:

As a constituent concerned about safety on Virginia roads for bicyclist, I am asking you to please support SB97. This bill has already received a favorable vote in the House Transportation Committee and it was passed by the full Senate.

SB 97, “minimum clearance for passing” requires motorists to leave three feet of clearance while passing bicyclists. 22 other states and District of Columbia that have similar statutes requiring motorists to pass by three feet or more.

Please support SB97 when it comes to a vote in the House.

Thank you,