With summer approaching, Chief Todd Fitzgerald and the Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Department are reminding the community about a new law designed to keep motorists and bicyclists safe as they share the road.
The Vulnerable User Law went into effect on April 1. This law is designed to ensure that automobile operators and bicyclists share the roadway safely.
The law requires drivers to provide a safe passing distance of at least 4 feet when passing vulnerable road users, and to maintain a reasonable and safe speed. Those users are defined as pedestrians; bicyclists; roadside workers; those using wheelchairs, motorized bicycles, scooters, hand bikes, skateboards, roller skates, and other micromobility devices; those operating farm equipment or horse-drawn carriages; and horse riders.
The law applies to all roadways. Drivers are allowed to cross a double yellow line to adhere to the law.
Bicyclists are now required to use a front white light, rear red light and rear reflector when riding at night.
NHTSA reports that 938 bicyclists died in traffic accidents in 2020, accounting for 2.4 percent of all traffic fatalities. NHTSA estimates show a 5 percent increase in bicyclist fatalities in 2021.
Chief Fitzgerald and Manchester-by-the-Sea Police share the following tips from the National Safety Council:
For drivers
- Vehicle drivers can help keep bicyclists safe by always checking over their left shoulder before opening their car door. This can help avoid collisions between bikes and car doors.
- Vehicle drivers should also remain aware of their surroundings while driving, paying special attention to bicyclists, pedestrians and other vehicles. Safe riding requires cooperation from all road users.
- Check all mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or merging, and allow more distance when driving behind a motorcycle.
- Before entering traffic, stop and look left, right, left again and over your shoulder.
