Did you know that 40 states plus the District of Columbia require that motorists give cyclists at least 3' of room when passing? Unfortunately, New York is one of the 10 remaining states that do not! New York requires only that motorists provide a "safe distance" when passing a cyclist. This vague and subjective language does not help new drivers learn specifically what they need to do to protect vulnerable road users.
NYBC is trying to change that with a new bill: Defined Safe Passing S1665 (Harckham) | A1831 (Steck) modeled after New Jersy's "move over" law that would require motorists to allow at least three feet between vehicle and pedestrians, bicyclists, and wheelchair users when overtaking or passing statewide except New York City which will continue to require “safe distance.” The bill would save lives, reduce medical costs and prevent horrific injuries. We think it simple: “Wait the few seconds it takes until you can pass safely -- don’t save a few seconds, save a life!”
New York should join our immediate neighbors - Massachusetts (4’), New Jersey (4’), Pennsylvania (4’), Vermont (4') Connecticut (3’), and Ohio (3’) in implementing Defined Safe Passing.
Five of New York’s counties have passed local 3' safe passing laws for cyclists (Monroe, Suffolk, Ulster, Albany, and Cortland). If you live in any other county we encourage you to work with your county on a local law. Information is available at our county Defined Safe Passing laws page! Meanwhile we believe a uniform law across the state should be adopted to protect vulnerable road users and reduce driver confusion.
The lack of a Defined Safe Passing law is one of the primary reasons that New York is ranked #43 out of all 50 states in the League of American Bicyclists Traffic Laws & Practices category. Adopting Defined Safe Passing would move NYS to the top 10 bicycle friendly states in the nation (we are currently #15), opening New York for more cycling tourism.
Defined Safe Passing passed in the NYS Senate in the 2021-22 and 2023-24 sessions, and we are working with our friends at the NYS Safe Streets Coalition to get it passed in both houses this year to make Defined Safe Passing a reality in New York. If you want to help, here are some things you can do:
- Write to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Chair of the NYS Assembly Transportation Committee, requesting that he allow a vote on the bill. - Write to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to thank him for sponsoring the bill again this year! - Click on this link to Assembly Bill A01831 and see if your Assembly Member is already listed as a co-sponsor. If so, write and thank them! If not ask your Assembly Member to sign on. (Not sure who your Assembly Member is? Use this tool to find out)
- Click on this link to see if your State Senator is a co-sponsor in the 2025-2026 session. If so, write and thank them, if not, write to encourage them to co-sponsor! You can use this coalition letter as a model. (Not sure who your NYS Senator is? Use this tool to find out).
- Be part of our network! Individuals and organizations who are interested in bicycle/pedestrian issues, disability rights, environmental sustainability, safety, seniors, and many others all have a stake in helping to pass this legislation! Reach out to us at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to see how you can help. - Support our work by making a donation to NYBC's Advocacy efforts!