HB 586 Summary

• Amends Idaho Code sections 49-631 through 49-634 to establish safety standards for drivers passing bicycles, pedestrians, runners, persons on horseback, and other human- or animal-powered vehicles including wheelchairs.

• Requires drivers passing these vulnerable road users to maintain a minimum 3-foot separation and allow oncoming vehicles at least one-half the main traveled portion of the roadway when oncoming traffic is present.

• Prohibits drivers from making right turns until safely past bicycles and other non-motorized road users, and allows such operators to turn off or step off the roadway when three or more vehicles are backed up behind them.

• Exempts drivers passing bicycles and pedestrians from certain lane restrictions under section 49-634 when the passing movement can be made safely, regardless of roadway markings, without interfering with other traffic.

• Applies uniform 3-foot separation requirements to passing maneuvers on one-way roadways with two or more marked traffic lanes.