“Give Me 3” Bike Safety Campaign

I am not sure about this “Give Me 3” bike safety campaign targeting drivers. As someone who rides a bike on weekends, I have experienced firsthand that some drivers have a mind-clearing experience when they encounter bikes. The most blanked out usually opt to speed around corners looking grimly determined. It’s an odd thing.

Back in August, these new bus shelter posters started appearing - like the one in the photo. It is part of a campaign by LA City, Mayor Villaraigosa, bike organizations, LADOT and LAPD to educate the public about how far is a minimum safe distance to pass a cyclist. Apparently around 1000 bus shelters and Public Amenity Kiosks (PAKs) are carrying it now. It is a worthy aim.

I find the poster hard to read but maybe that’s just me. True, it is a difficult concept to get across visually. But the issue for me is: is 3 feet enough? I realize it is a minimum distance but how would you feel about a car passing you 3 feet away? I would prefer 5 feet. “Give me 5” sounds better too.

Many states now have 3-foot laws. Does including it in the California Vehicle Code help or hurt? CVC 21750 is quite clear: “The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle or a bicycle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left at a safe distance without interfering with the safe operation of the overtaken vehicle or bicycle…” That sounds better to me than modifying it to specify a minimum of 3 feet.

That said, the primary goal always will be to move driver education in the right direction – to drive safely and respect cyclists. Campaigns like this will help.