3-foot bike passing law takes effect in Ohio (Toronto: crime, legal)

[WRnative]

<<Under the new law: "The operator of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle shall pass to the left at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. When a motor vehicle overtakes and passes a bicycle, three feet or greater is considered a safe passing distance.">>

Ohio's new bike passing law goes into effect March 21 | cleveland.com

Is it still legal in Ohio to pass in a lane to the right of a vehicle on a multi-lane highway? A strict reading of the first sentence above would say it is not legal, but I can't believe that is the case. What's the purpose of that sentence?

In England, I know it's often illegal to "undertake," or pass on the "wrong side" on a multi-lane highway, and the fact that Americans can "overtake" and "undertake" on both sides frightens English drivers when first driving on American multi-lane highways. Some Canadian provinces also ban undertaking.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtaking

[kevinbelt]

I'm not sure if it's legal or not, but it certainly happens. Our fine state has a bit of a reputation for driving slowly in the left lane. As a cyclist, I don't expect drivers to stop buzzing me any more than I expect drivers to stop passing on the right. But it's a nice thought.

[mapleguy]

Having a 3 foot long flexible and brightly colored ( orange or yellow ) plastic rod sticking out to the left might help to make drivers give the bike more clearance, when passing. It would be mounted on a spring base so that contact from a car is not going to knock the rod off, just flex it.


A visual reminder that the bike needs clear space too.


Maple Guy.

[ibagli]

Originally Posted by WRnative

Is it still legal in Ohio to pass in a lane to the right of a vehicle on a multi-lane highway? A strict reading of the first sentence above would say it is not legal, but I can't believe that is the case. What's the purpose of that sentence?

There's a separate section of the code setting out when you can pass on the right.

[WRnative]

Originally Posted by ibagli

There's a separate section of the code setting out when you can pass on the right.

Thanks. The new provision does seem to contradict the section you linked, however.

[IDtheftV]

Originally Posted by mapleguy

Having a 3 foot long flexible and brightly colored ( orange or yellow ) plastic rod sticking out to the left ....

That sounds like a good idea. I'll have to try this on my bike. ( Just a fiberglass rod would work. It doesn't need to be sprung. )

Bicyclist are just as bad to pedestrians on multi-use trails. I do the rod-sticking-out thing when I walk because I don't want someone's handlebar hitting me in the arm at some delta speed of 10-20 mph.

If I can keep right rear-view mirrors from doing this to me on my bike, that's a win.

Now, all I have to do is move back somewhere that I can use my bike ....

[mapleguy]

idtheftb.


I would add a brightly colored flag at the outer end of the rod. Or a flashing light at night.


Here in Toronto, the Toronto Police Service has dedicated bike patrols in each of the 17 Police divisions in the city, with 24 hour patrols. Using bikes is a great way to do enforcement , both of car drivers and bike riders. They also are very effective in anti crime sweeps. Silent and able to go where a car cannot. Most people cannot out run a mountain bike. A further positive result.. better officer fitness.


xxx