Three Feet Cycling Campaign
A few states have passed a law stating that motorists must pass cyclists at a minimum safe distance of three feet. Florida is one of only 13 states in the United States that currently have a 3 feet law in effect. Joe Mizereck is a Florida cyclist, currently living in Tallahassee, who has become fed up with motorist’s that pass cyclists at an unsafe distance. He has designed a 3 Feet Please, yellow and black cycling jersey that is available for purchase on his website. He is hoping that motorists passing cyclists, who are wearing the jersey, will become more aware of the need to pass bikers at a safe distance.
Joe states that “As a cyclist who spends a lot of time on the roads in traffic I have experienced numerous close calls. After one frustrating ride I decided to act. I designed a jersey with the words “3 Feet Please” on the back. I shared this idea with several fellow cyclists who thought this could make a difference.”
” It is my hope that this “3 Feet Please” jersey will remind drivers to share the roads that belong to all of us and to give us at least 3 feet clearance as they pass. This will make our riding safer and far more enjoyable. But most importantly, it will reduce the numbers of cyclists who are injured or worse killed.”
To help raise funds to educate the public about the 3 feet law, a special Share the Road cycling jersey is available from the Florida Bicycle Association.
According to the Florida Bicycle Association website, their purpose is:
- To be a powerful, influential organization that protects and advances the interests of bicyclists
- To educate bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists about safely sharing roadways and paths
- To be a voice for the needs of bicyclists
- To encourage the creation of great on-road and off-road places to ride
- To provide a statewide communications network for bicyclists
- To encourage more people to bicycle more often
Please consider purchasing one, or both, of these cycling jerseys to help raise awareness of bicycle safety to the public.
The other states in the US that currently have a three feet law are Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin.
Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva
This is a very informative one. I found it interesting and a great source of ideas regarding best cycling jersey. You are really doing a great job. Thanks and keep posting.
I thought up a similar campaign, maybe a little edgier: ‘Keep out of my Yard!!”, “Stay out of my yard”, etc.
I have even thought about connecting a yardstick to my bike (with a railroad spike concealed on the outer end) to make the point.
Good idea. Is there a version planned for Britain and Ireland? We don’t want to encourage overtaking on the footway [sidewalk]!!!