05/21/2025
𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡
As the school year begins to wrap up for our kids, you might start planning summer road trips and National Bike Safety Month is a great time to remind trip planners about a couple of Oregon laws designed to help keep bicycle riders safe from passing vehicles.
Fall Distance is the amount of space a rider needs in case they should fall. It is required by Oregon law on any road greater than 35 MPH. The easiest way to leave the fall distance is by changing lanes. On roads less than 35 MPH, allow at least 3 feet to avoid contact with the rider but more is always better!
It is now legal to pass people on bicycles in a no-passing zone, as long as they are riding at less than half the speed limit. Pass only on the left, unless the rider is to your left, or making a left turn. If you are driving a large vehicle, be mindful that displaced air may cause wind gusts, impacting riders. Reduce your speed and maintain extra distance whenever possible, and remember that people on bikes are allowed to take the whole lane when they need to.
The Oregon Department of Transportation reminds drivers to slow down and be patient while approaching a person on a bicycle, and please do not honk! Taking these steps and keeping these laws in mind helps ensure that everyone stays safe while traveling.
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