Skip to main content

New law in Pennsylvania will help protect vulnerable road users

A new law in the US state of Pennsylvania will help boost safety for cyclists. This sets rules for Pennsylvania drivers to follow when encountering a cyclist. Drivers now have to leave a 1.22m space when overtaking cyclists. To achieve this, drivers may have to cross the centre line when passing a bicycle on the left, but only when opposing traffic allows. Drivers attempting to turn left must also yield the right of way to bicycle riders travelling in the opposite direction. The new law also calls for bicyc
April 3, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
A new law in the US state of Pennsylvania will help boost safety for cyclists. This sets rules for Pennsylvania drivers to follow when encountering a cyclist. Drivers now have to leave a 1.22m space when overtaking cyclists. To achieve this, drivers may have to cross the centre line when passing a bicycle on the left, but only when opposing traffic allows. Drivers attempting to turn left must also yield the right of way to bicycle riders traveling in the opposite direction.

The new law also calls for bicycle riders to avoid impeding the normal flow of traffic. When there is only one travel lane, cyclists may use any portion of the lane to avoid hazards on the roadway, including maintaining a safe distance from stopped and parked cars. Cyclists and motorists should obey all traffic signs and signals. 2535 Pennsylvania Department of Transportation also recommends bicyclists always ride predictably and provide signals before proceeding.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Stronger crash barriers may be needed for heavier trucks
    November 26, 2012
    The European Road Federation (ERF) has voiced its concern that roadside barriers in Europe may have to be upgraded. Meanwhile the UK’s Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has called for roadside barriers to feature post protection so as to reduce the risk of injuries to motorcyclists. According to the ERF, the recent decision of the European Commission to allow cross-border movement of longer and heavier trucks, it is keen to raise awareness of the important implications such a move may have for road barr
  • Imtech to help Copenhagen become CO2 neutral
    March 16, 2012
    Peek, the Imtech Traffic & Infra mobility specialist, has won a contract to provide a new generation of technology for 365 road junctions in Copenhagen as part of a programme aimed at making the Danish capital the first in the world to be completely CO2 neutral by 2025.
  • IPAF supports FEM position on use of cranes
    January 9, 2014
    IPAF supports the position paper issued by the Fédération Européenne de la Manutention (FEM) Product Group for Cranes and Lifting Equipment, which makes clear that tower cranes are designed and manufactured to lift loads, not people. The paper also highlights that cranes should not be used for entertainment purposes. Such rides will not be permitted at CONEXPO-CON/AGG.
  • EU project looks at highway parking areas
    February 24, 2012
    Under the EU-funded LABEL project there will be an analysis of secure trucking stops. The European Union Road Federation (ERF) - International Road Federation (IRF), Brussels Programme Centre, looks at what it can achieve Whenever we have to travel long distances by car we are faced with the prospect of having to stop in order to refuel our vehicle and to rest a bit. As a consequence motorways can boast the presence of a high number of service stations, usually spread out at 20 to 30km intervals, ready to