DC Bicycle Safety Enhancement Act just passed

[Heidi Goldberg]

Great news for DC riders - just in time for hannukah:

 

The Bicycle Safety Enhancement Act of 2008 was just passed today by DC City Council.  The bill, which was introduced by Councilmember Jim Graham in October, contains some good protections for cyclists.  The bill was a response to the death of cyclist Alice Swanson earlier this year after she was hit by a heavy vehicle in Dupont circle. 

The new law contains the following:

 

1)  A requirement that blind spot mirrors be installed on all DC owned heavy duty vehicles
2)  New bicyclist and pedestrian awareness training for DC heavy vehicle operators
3)  A new law requiring that motorists give three feet of space when passing cyclists
4)  A fine for the use of restricted lanes (bus/bike lanes or bike lanes) by unauthorized vehicles

 

Heidi