al_yrpal wrote:Perhaps Vorpal can tell us if there is any such law in Skandinavia or the USA.
In New Zealand last year I noticed signs indicating that cyclists should be given 1 metre clearance, so they think that its important too.
Al
In the USA, it goes state by state. http://www.ncsl.org/research/transporta ... lists.aspx shows where the differen laws apply.
http://www.bicyclelaw.com/news/n.cfm/us ... ges-ctc-to is the website of a US campaigner who stated his support for such a law in the UK.
Canada has a minimum passing clearance law. It is 1 metre, without reference to speed and qualified by a 'when practical'. I'm not aware that it is enforced.
Norway and Sweden do not have such a law, but there is a well-publicised recommendation that drivers give at least 1.5 metres clearance, and it is required material in driver training in Norway. I'm not sure if it is included in theoretical test material. I'm not aware of drivers having been prosecuted for passing too close to a cyclist, here. When I complained to the police about a driver who forced me off the road, I was very disappointed by the response. On the other hand, I think that most drivers give me 1,5 metres and more. I can only recall a couple of incidents where I had less than 1 metre clearance. Drivers who do hit or injure cyclists are dealt with pretty harshly, and I generally find the riding conditions to be much better than in the UK.
I'm not sure about other Scandinavian countries.
TBH, I'd rather the focus was on something like proportional liability. IMO, the countries / places that have the best road culture for vulnerable user do not have a minimum passign distance law, but maybe someone will be along to correct me on that.
If it's an easy win, I don't have a problem with it, but I'm not sure that it's a good use of campaigning resources.