Move over for cyclists, Seattle drivers. That's the law now
Starting this year, Washington state is telling drivers that if there's more than one lane going your direction, you must get into the left lane when passing a bicyclist — as you would when passing slower cars.
"The difference between a safe pass with someone slowing and passing at a distance, and an unsafe pass is quite literally the difference between life and death," said Vicky Clarke, with the advocacy group Washington Bikes.
If there's only one lane going your way and there's no bike lane, the state says you must slow down and leave at least three feet of space between your car and the cyclist.
This also applies when passing tractors and people on horseback.
If you have trouble guessing how much three feet is, Clarke says to move over.
"When you see someone on a bike, just move over."
-
Casey Martin
Reporter
Casey Martin is a general assignment reporter who has covered everything from political protests to electric scooters. He is almost always out in the field where the news happens. Casey has reported on extremism, houselessness, politics and Seattle’s nightlife.
More stories from Casey Martin »
