One of the objectives of Falls Area Bicyclists is to be an advocate for bicycling. It was with that idea in mind that FAB President Chris Parsley went to Pierre to lobby for legislation to make bicycling safer in South Dakota. Here is the official wording:
ENTITLED, An Act to provide certain restrictions regarding the passing of a bicycle.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA:
Section 1. That chapter 32-26 be amended by adding thereto a NEW SECTION to read as follows:
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA:
Section 1. That chapter 32-26 be amended by adding thereto a NEW SECTION to read as follows:
The driver of any motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction shall allow a minimum of a three foot separation between the right side of the driver's vehicle, including any mirror or other projection, and the left side of the bicycle if the posted limit is thirty-five miles per hour or less and shall allow a minimum of six feet separation if the posted limit is greater than thirty-five miles per hour. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction may partially cross the highway centerline or the dividing line between two lanes of travel in the same direction if it can be performed safely. The driver of the motor vehicle shall maintain that separation until safely past the overtaken bicycle. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
This has been signed into law and will into effect on July 1.
