Our View: Move Over, Motorists

During the past few weeks, we’ve noticed that many motorists — from both in and out of state — are failing to provide the four feet of clearance between vehicles and pedestrians, runners, bicyclists and others along the side of the road that is required by law.

Under the law, approved in April, when a vehicle passes a person or bicyclist, there must be at least four feet of clearance between the two. If the other lane is free, the vehicle can cross the center line to ensure adequate space. If there is oncoming traffic, the vehicle must slow or stop until it is safe to pass with the necessary clearance.

It’s understandable that folks from out of state may not be aware of the law, but there are plenty of signs posted along our roadways showing the requirement quite clearly. It’s also common sense, especially now that our roadways — many of which are very narrow — are crowded with summer traffic, that drivers need to slow down and be aware of walkers, runners, bicyclists and others who share the road. Yet we’ve had vehicles unwilling to slow and be safe come within inches as we’ve trodden our roadways. We hope local police are keeping an eye on this situation and that it won’t take a horrible accident to cause motorists to change their behavior.