SAFELY PASSING A BICYCLE                                                                           S.B. 170:

                                                                                  SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL

                                                                                                         IN COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 170 (as introduced 2-21-17)

Sponsor:  Senator Margaret O'Brien

Committee:  Judiciary

Date Completed:  9-21-17

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require a vehicle overtaking a bicycle on the right to pass at a distance of at least five feet.

Section 637 of the Code allows the driver of a vehicle to overtake and pass to the right of another vehicle only if certain conditions exist. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting the overtaking and passing in safety. A violation is a civil infraction.

Under the bill, the driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle, when otherwise permitted by Section 637, would have to pass at a safe distance of at least five feet to the right of the bicycle.

The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.

MCL 257.637                                                                   Legislative Analyst:  Jeff Mann

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State and could have a small positive impact on local governments. Any increase in revenue from civil infractions would be dedicated to public libraries.

                                                                                       Fiscal Analyst:  Ryan Bergan

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.