Bicycles may get 1-metre buffer zone from cars

Cyclists in America have come a turn of the pedals closer to a law that would require motorists to afford them a 1-metre ‘buffer zone’ at all times on the road.

A Bill from the House of Environmental Matters Committee proposing the law is due to go to the Senate for agreement.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The introduction of such a buffer zone in America would signal to our own government that we are behind the times when it comes to the protection of cyclists in law.”

Harassment law for cyclists

The new law would work well in conjunction with anti-harassment laws being considered by several American cities.

Alongside an increase in people using bikes, cities like Los Angeles has seen a greater number of reported clashes between cyclists and drivers; cases include cyclists being driven off the road, screamed at by drivers and pelted with missiles.

Whilst it is not yet clear how such a law would define the harassment of a cyclist, the term would almost certainly include vehicles being used to threaten cyclists, verbal abuse or passing too close when overtaking.

No-fault liability

Road safety campaigners in Britain have long campaigned for no-fault liability – a principle that makes motorists financially liable for collisions with pedestrians or cyclists – only when the pedestrian or cyclist was proved to be negligent would the driver avoid paying compensation through their insurance.

No-fault liability, a system that currently works without problem in other areas of Europe, recognises that the drivers of faster, heavier vehicles have a duty of care and that if a pedestrian or cyclist is injured in a road traffic collision it can be difficult for them to accurately recollect the event.

Cycle insurance with third party cover included

Cyclists are not required by law to have third party insurance, but the cover is available for free with some insurance policies. In the case of an accident cyclists may need to seek compensation or even deal with a claim by someone else. Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old replacement, third party insurance, personal accident cover and if you breakdown, they will even come out and recover you and your bike.