CS/HB 117 - Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety

• Defines "bicycle lane" as a roadway portion designated by pavement markings and signs for preferential or exclusive use by bicycles, and "protected bicycle lane" as one separated from motor vehicle traffic by a physical barrier.

• Requires motor vehicle drivers to maintain a minimum safe distance of 3 feet when passing bicycles or nonmotorized vehicles in bicycle lanes; exempts protected bicycle lanes from these distance requirements.

• Allows motor vehicle drivers to briefly cross no-passing zone lines when overtaking and passing bicycles, pedestrians, or nonmotorized vehicles, and requires the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to conduct an awareness campaign about these safety precautions.

• Prohibits bicyclists in bicycle lanes from riding more than two abreast and permits groups of 10 or fewer bicyclists to proceed together through stop signs after coming to a full stop.

• Requires 20 percent of Class E driver license test questions to address bicycle and pedestrian safety; effective July 1, 2018.