The Gov signed into law the new bike safety bill today.

Against my better judgment I have to comment on one of the comments posted on today's News Update. One person says "... if a cyclist doesn't stop at a stop sign or red light, which they don't 95% of the time, you won't see them getting pulled over."

This makes me chuckle, because a few weeks ago a colleague (who shall remain nameless, boss!) told me that he got pulled over by a policeman for coasting through a red light while on his bike, though the only car at the intersection had stalled and the light was just about to turn green. He was tongue-lashed and gived a sermon about irresponsible cyclists. Why can't we all just get along?

To recap, here are some of the main features of the new law:
> Motorists must give cyclists three feet of clearance.
> Motorists may cross the centerline in no-passing zones in order to pass bicyclists when safe to do so.
> There's a $25 fine for those 15 and under who fail to wear a helmet. (Youth can be fined after the second or subsequent offense, but the fine can be waived by showing proof that a helmet has been purchased.)
> The law clarifies the rule that requires cyclists to ride to the right. The bill recognizes numerous situations when bicyclists need to move from the right portion of the roadway such as avoiding obstacles, proceeding straight near right-turn lanes or preparing to turn left.
> The law waives liability for businesses with drive-up windows that serve cyclists.

For more on the law, visit the Bicycle Coalition of Maine Web site.