http://www.portlanddailysun.me/index.php/newsx/news-briefs/9604-bicycling-safety-bill-becomes-law-coalition-reports
Bicycling safety bill becomes law, coalition reportsPublished Date Wednesday, 19 June 2013 00:43Written by Staff Report
On Friday, LD 1460, "A Bill To Revise Maine Bicycle Law," became law without Gov. Paul LePage's signature, clarifying the rules of the road, according to the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Erik Jorgensen of Portland, "marks a major effort to rejuvenate of the Coalitions' legislative tradition, and is just the beginning of a process that will change Maine's bicycle laws to improve safety and accessibility for cyclists around the state," a press release stated.
The major provisions of the law include a provision that the operator of the bicycle determines where it is safest and most "practicable" to ride on a roadway; a collision of a passing car with a bicycle is "prima facie" evidence of a violation of the three-foot law governing the distance between motor vehicles and bicyclists; and cars may not make turns in front of bicycles when doing so interferes with the safe and legal operation of a bicycle.
"We're thrilled to improve and clarify the foundation of bicycle law in Maine and are hopeful this bill will act as a catalyst for future legislation to protect the rights and safety of bicyclists," said Coalition Executive Director Nancy Grant.
Bicycling safety bill becomes law, coalition reportsPublished Date Wednesday, 19 June 2013 00:43Written by Staff Report
On Friday, LD 1460, "A Bill To Revise Maine Bicycle Law," became law without Gov. Paul LePage's signature, clarifying the rules of the road, according to the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Erik Jorgensen of Portland, "marks a major effort to rejuvenate of the Coalitions' legislative tradition, and is just the beginning of a process that will change Maine's bicycle laws to improve safety and accessibility for cyclists around the state," a press release stated.
The major provisions of the law include a provision that the operator of the bicycle determines where it is safest and most "practicable" to ride on a roadway; a collision of a passing car with a bicycle is "prima facie" evidence of a violation of the three-foot law governing the distance between motor vehicles and bicyclists; and cars may not make turns in front of bicycles when doing so interferes with the safe and legal operation of a bicycle.
"We're thrilled to improve and clarify the foundation of bicycle law in Maine and are hopeful this bill will act as a catalyst for future legislation to protect the rights and safety of bicyclists," said Coalition Executive Director Nancy Grant.
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