The NJ State Assembly recently passed a law which would requires any motorist seeking to pass a cyclist or pedestrian on the roadway, to move over and provide “a reasonable and safe distance” of at least four feet between the vehicle and the person being passed.  The motorist would not be permitted to move back to the right until they have safely completed the pass.  The law would subject drivers who fail to honor the 4 foot rule to pay a fine up to $500 per offense. It now goes to the state senate.gap of at least four feet between their vehicle and the person being passed.  The bill reportedly passed the Assembly with a vote of 49-21 (6 persons abstaining).  The law now moves on for consideration by the state senate.

The concept of a minimum safe passing distance is not new and exists, in some form, in the majority of states in the U.S.  This measure would present a huge step in the right direction for protecting cyclists and pedestrians, and would drastically reduce the risks myself and my fellow cyclists face on the roadways.