A New Georgia Law Changes the Way Drivers Must Approach Bicycles 

Using a bicycle to get to and from work or school or as a fun way to burn off some extra calories and see the sights throughout Georgia offers many advantages. Many bike riders, however, have struggled with maintaining a high degree of safety on the roads. In many cases, bicyclists feel unsafe as drivers pass far too close to them, even when they occupy a bike lane or legally occupy a lane of traffic.

A new Georgia law aims to help increase biker safety and increase driver awareness.

The New Georgia Law

• 40-6-56 (as of July 1, 2021) states:

(a) The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a bicycle shall approach the bicycle with due caution and shall proceed as follows: 1) Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the bicycle if possible in the existing road and traffic conditions; or   (2) If a lane change under paragraph (1) of this subsection would be impossible, prohibited by law, or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be at least ten miles per hour less than the posted speed limit or 25 miles per hour, whichever is more, and proceed around the bicycle with at least three feet between such vehicle and the bicycle at all times.

What Does the New Law Mean For Drivers?

When it comes to passing bicycles safely, the new law means several things for Georgia drivers who must share the roads with cyclists.

Increase Awareness

Thanks to the new law, many drivers will find that they need to pay more attention to the other vehicles around them. Bicycles fit a different visual profile than motor vehicles, which may make it harder for the eye to note them as you head out on the road. However, paying careful attention to bicycles can prove critical to your ability to spot them and keep them safe.

Change Lanes if Possible

If you have the option to change lanes as you approach a bicycle and get in a lane that is not directly adjacent to the bicycle, you should do so. In some cases, however, you may not have the option to change lanes. You may, for example, not have a second lane to move into, or heavy traffic may make it impossible for you to change lanes in time, especially if you wait too long to note the bicycle around you and make the change.

Slow Down

If you note that you cannot change lanes safely, you must slow down as you approach the bicycle. The new Georgia law requires drivers to slow down to at least ten miles per hour below the posted speed on the road to pass a bicycle. If the speed limit is 25 miles per hour or less, drivers can continue at their normal rate of speed while passing the bicycle.

Leave Enough Room

Georgia law has always required drivers passing cyclists to allow at least three feet of room when passing the bicycle. The new law, however, adds the additional note that drivers can pass over a double yellow or white line briefly, as long as they can do so safely, in order to give them the space necessary to safely and legally pass the bicycle. If you do not have room to move over the yellow line before a car in the opposite lane comes up to you, you may need to slow down behind the bicycle and wait until you have adequate passing room.

Sharing the road safely with cyclists has become increasingly important. Each year, bicycle riders account for about 2.2% of motor vehicle deaths. Over the past several years, Georgia has continued to pass resolutions aimed at creating a higher degree of safety for bicyclists and others on the road. Those resolutions have helped bring down cyclist deaths and injuries–and new laws like this help aid Georgia drivers in maintaining safe roads for everyone.

After a Bicycle Accident: What Should You Do?

As a cyclist, you may spend a lot of time out on the road, surrounded by cars. As vehicles whiz by you, you may feel threatened and unsafe. If one of those unsafe drivers causes an accident, you may end up with serious injuries. As a cyclist, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself following a serious accident.

1. Report the accident.

Like a car accident, a bicycle accident should always be reported to the police. Calling 911 will also summon an ambulance to the scene of the accident, if necessary.

2. Seek medical attention immediately.

Even if you think you sustained little more than bumps and bruises, or perhaps some road rash, you should always seek medical attention following any serious bicycle accident. A doctor can help evaluate and document your injuries, then help you get the care you need. Follow all instructions given to you by medical professionals to help you minimize injury and streamline your recovery as much as possible.

3. Collect evidence, if you can.

If possible, you may want to snap a few photos from the scene of the accident. Do not put yourself in danger or worsen your injuries to do so. You may want to document the driver’s license, his vehicle, and any damage to you and your bicycle.

4. Get in touch with an experienced personal injury attorney.

As soon after the accident as possible, contact a personal injury attorney to learn more about your right to compensation. An attorney can help investigate your claim, give you a better idea of the compensation you should expect, and provide you with more information about how to move forward after your accident.

At The Law Offices of Kyle E. Koester, LLC, we focus on helping our clients understand the compensation they deserve and fighting to maximize that compensation. If you suffered serious injuries in a bicycle accident, particularly due to someone breaking these new laws, contact us today.