Governor Patrick signed a great bicycle safety bill into law yesterday. The bill lived an interesting life, first introduced back in 2001 by now-retired Rep Anne Paulsen of Belmont, passed by both house and senate in 2006, vetoed by the Romney administration and re-filed in it’s current version by Senator Pamela Resor of Acton (who also retired recently). Here are the major points of interest in the law as summed up by Boston Biker:
The new law adds police training on bicycle law and dangerous behavior by bicyclists and motorists; explains how a motorist should safely pass a bicycle; explains how a motorist should safely make a turn in front of a bicycle; makes “dooring” (opening a car door into the path of a bicycle or other vehicle) subject to ticket and fine; permits bicyclists to ride two abreast when it does not impede cars from passing; and adds legal protections for bicyclists who choose to ride to the right of other traffic.
This is excellent news for both cyclists and drivers in MA, especially those who ride or drive in some of our less than bike-friendly urban areas.
Full text of the bill can be found here
Here’s an excellent overview of the law from MassBike
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
As a passionate bicyclist, at least I was, until motorists made it clear to me that the streets is not to be shared with my likes; encountering aggression exceeding anything you can comprehend and two accidents caused by my fellow citizens, I just gave up and now peddle illegally only on sidewalks.
New rules? Won’t make an iota of difference. In order to issue a ticket, a cop has to witness it right? Maybe if I peddle up and down in front of Dunkin Donuts, maybe a cop will react.
Sooner or later it’s WRTA here I come.
On the surface I agree completely, Will. This isn’t going to create protected bike lanes overnight. But the education and clarification of existing bike law for police is an important step in the right direction.