Proof that local advocacy matters! NYBC member Bill Mastro sent us this 3-Foot Safe Passing sign recently installed on Shelter Island in Suffolk County.
Bill advocated to his Town Board for these signs, alerting motorists to Suffolk's traffic law, which requires three feet when passing a bike rider. This sign is a powerful reminder of the progress being made across New York State in bicycle and pedestrian safety.
“I was pleasantly surprised to see the sign installed so quickly,” Bill shared, after snapping a photo the day it went up. “Hopefully other jurisdictions will follow Shelter Island’s lead.” NYBC shares Bill’s enthusiasm! Signs help educate drivers and can save lives especially in communities where cyclists and motorists share narrow roads.
NYBC is working with New York State elected officials and local leaders to make this life-saving legislation a reality statewide. So far Suffolk and Monroe are the only counties to have successfully adopted this important legislation. Ulster is moving forward with their own safe passing law, and other counties have considered it.
Local efforts like these, highlight that New Yorkers throughout the state care deeply about the safety of every person on the road. NYBC and the New York State Safe Streets Coalition are also working diligently to bring Defined Safe Passing to New York State - this bill would protect all vulnerable road users including pedestrians and wheelchair users.
Want to see these signs like these in your neighborhood? NYBC is happy to support your advocacy for Defined Safe Passing in your neck of the woods. Just let us know how we can help. And if you want to help with our statewide efforts, please join us for our January and May advocacy days. | 
