Pennsylvania’s ‘Safe Passing Law’ for bikes takes effect Monday

Starting Monday, Pennsylvania motorists will be required to leave a 4-foot “cushion of safety” when passing a bicyclist on the road.

The bill landed on Gov. Tom Corbett’s desk in late January, and his signature came with a 60-day waiting period before the law could go into effect.
Beginning April 2, drivers will be able to cross into the opposite side of the road, when traffic allows, to give cyclists clearance. Bicyclists, in turn, are asked to “use all reasonable efforts to avoid impeding the normal flow of traffic.”