Does a Bicyclist’s Apparel Change Motorist Behavior?

A news report in The Wall Street Journal cites a recent study in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention, which states that the distance motorists leave when passing bicyclists depend on the visibility of the rider’s apparel. More than 20 states have enacted laws requiring motorists to leave at least 3 feet of space when passing bicyclists to help prevent major injury and fatal bicycle accidents. Those bicyclists who wear bright, reflective clothing to increase their visibility are apparently clearly noticed by passing motorists, the study says. However, the study found that the bicyclists’ visibility still did not affect the amount of space motorists gave cyclists, unless the rider was identified as a police officer.

Study Findings
For the study, a British researcher rode that same 16-mile route two times a day, from December 2012 to May 2013. He conducted the experiment during peak traffic hours wearing seven different outfits. Five of the outfits were those commonly worn by “civilian” riders of various skill levels. One outfit had the word “police” emblazoned on it and another said: “POLITE notice, Pass Slowly.”
In their analysis of 5,690 passing vehicles, the average passing distance was about 3.8 feet regardless of the cyclist’s clothing. The only exception was the police outfit where drivers kept a little more distance – at least half an inch more. About 2 percent of passing vehicles came within 2 feet of the rider, despite the police vest.
New York Law
New York’s “safe distance” law became effective on Nov. 1, 2010. The bill that was signed by Gov. David Paterson added section 1122-A to New York’s Traffic Law, which reads: “The operator of a vehicle overtaking from behind a bicycle proceeding on the same side of a roadway shall pass to the left of such bicycle at a safe distance until safely clear thereof.” Drivers who violate this law could be cited with a traffic offense. They could face serious charges if a bicyclist has been injured or killed and the motorist is determined to have been passing at less than a reasonably safe distance.
The challenge with this law is in its interpretation. What is a reasonable distance? California recently amended its safe distance law to specify that motorists should leave 3 feet of space when passing a bicyclist. What distance is reasonable or unreasonable could become a pivotal issue in these cases.
Compensation for Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured or if you have lost a loved one as a result of a bicycle accident, the experienced New York personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Our skilled car accident attorneys have a proven track record of helping injured victims get fair compensation for their losses. Our law firm recovered $5,600,000 for a man on a bicycle that was hit by a van.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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Source: The Wall Street Journal