On Tuesday, May 18, in the Ontario, Canada legislature, NDP Transit critic Cheri DiNovo introduced a private member’s bill requiring vehicles to give 3-feet of clearance when passing a cyclist.   The clearance would increase to 4  feet when travelling on roads with speeds of between 50 – 80 km/hr and to 5 feet when speeds are greater than 80km/hr. 

Fines for this offence would be between $310 and $750. 

Transportation Minister Kathleen Wynne is reviewing Ontario’s cycling policies.  A number of the States as well as France, Spain and Germany already have this type of law in place.

“… I’m not sure if it’s a matter of needing more laws, or a greater sense of respect for one another on the road,” says Ontario’s Premier Dalton McGuinty.

What do you think?  Is this law a good idea or not?  Is it a matter of a law or respect?

Like to do some further reading on this subject?  Check out the following links.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ontario-aims-to-increase-cyclist-safety/article1573602/

http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/811190–ndp-bill-proposes-3-foot-buffer-around-cyclists-on-road

http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/712968