Rules of buffer zone bicycle

Rules of buffer zone bicycle

In 2012, 726 cyclists were killed and 49,000 others injured in traffic accidents. To make roads safer

for cyclists, states and cities across the country have begun enacting laws that require a "buffer zone" between cars and bicycles. These safety regulations aim to reduce injuries and deaths caused by motorists. Read more to learn more about the rules of the bicycle buffer zone, how it works, and the penalties that come with violation.

What is the buffer zone for bicycles?

Bike buffer zones are an area stored around the bike lane that increases the space between bicycles and cars or parked vehicles. They are usually marked with ribbons painted and sometimes with pictures of bicycles on the pavement to indicate the nearby bike lane.

According to the US Transportation Research Council, the corridors of stored bicycles have more than just a wider bicycle lane. The buffer zones make cyclists more comfortable as they are not directly next to the traffic. When these areas are used with street parking, bicycles can also safely avoid the "door area" of drivers opening their doors in parked cars and accidentally injured motorcycle riders. This makes mobility by bike safer and more stimulating for a wide range of cyclists.

How can you use bike buffer zones?

Drivers need to drive in the traffic lane and avoid driving in the buffer zone. They must also be careful of bicycles when towing to and from parking spaces near areas of the buffer zone. Cyclists must be polite and stay in the designated bike lane, not in the buffer zone. They should also search for drivers and passengers who leave parked vehicles to help prevent door opening injuries. For more safe ride tips, see this National Traffic Safety Administration Fact Sheet (NTSA).

Typical Bicycle Area Buffer Laws

In 1973, Wisconsin became the first state to pass the Safe Passage Act buffer zone. There are approximately 33 states and laws similar to safe traffic laws. They are likely to follow the example of other states, including New Jersey, soon. In most cases, states require a three-foot distance between cars and bicycles, although some states have more general safe pass laws.

As an example of the Cycling Buffer Act, in September 2013, California Gov. Brown signed the Bill Act 1371 Act "Three Feet of Safety". This law requires drivers to pass cars or other bicycles to pass with at least three feet between the vehicle and the session or vehicle being passed. If the driver violates the buffer zone three feet, they can be fined from $ 35 to $ 100 for the first ticket and $ 250 for any subsequent tickets or if a collision hits a bike rider.