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New Three-Foot Bike/Pedestrian Passing Law in Effect

A new law requires motorists to give 3-feet of space when they pass bicyclists, pedestrians or someone using a motorized wheelchair on the road.

LB1030, introduced by North Platte Senator Tom Hansen, went into effect a month ago.  Julie Harris, Project Manager with Activate Omaha, says her organization has been working to get the word out about the new law via their website and social media. 

She says the new law is important because it instructs motorists how to behave around bicyclists when they see them on the streets.

"I think it also gives the bicyclists another validation that they are allowed on the road.  And it gives them a little bit of protection so if something does happen, there’s some legal recourse that can be applied.  But mostly I think it just helps for people to know what to expect and how to behave to share the roads.”

Senators passed the bill unanimously.  The new guidelines should make their way into driver’s manuals soon. 

The fine for breaking the new law will be between $100 and $300 depending on the frequency of the offense.

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