Our friends at MassBike recently held a webinar highlighting the Vulnerable Road Users Laws. This set of laws will go into effect in Massachusetts on April 1, 2023, which is just around the corner.
Although many people may be familiar with the concept of the 4-foot safe passing distance, the webinar goes into much more detail on a variety of topics related to the new law, including a Vulnerable Road Users Definition, a required 4-foot safe passing distance for motorists passing vulnerable road users, a new rear red light requirement for cyclists, a standardized crash reporting tool for crashes involving cyclists and pedestrians, a clarification for municipalities to decrease speed limits, and new truck safety device requirements.
For those of us that ride in the evenings, please be aware that bicyclists will now be required to use a front white light and rear red light and rear reflector when riding past sunset.
For those looking for the quick version of the new law, MassBike has a summary document available.
If you are interested in getting a bumper sticker about the 4-Foot Passing Requirement, MassBike has a limited number of free bumper stickers you can request.
