Peninsula bicyclists can now use the sheriff’s online crime portal to report drivers who violate the state’s 3-foot passing rule.
An announcement Thursday from the San Mateo County sheriff’s office said a category for bicyclists’ complaints has been added to the online report system, which takes complaints of non-emergency crimes in Woodside, Portola Valley, San Carlos, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae and unincorporated areas of the county.
Bicyclists in those areas are able to report vehicles “operating in unlawful manner, including not obeying the ‘three-foot rule,’” the portal says. Those filing a complaint are asked to provide their personal information and details of the incident, including the car’s license number.
The sheriff’s office said reports will be investigated and, if warranted, a warning letter will be sent to the owner of the violating car.
California’s 3-foot rule, in effect since 2014, requires a driver passing a bike to give at least 3 feet of clearance between any part of the vehicle and any part of the bike or the person riding it.
Where 3 feet of clearance isn’t available, the driver must slow down and pass only when it’s safe to do so. The driver may not cross a double yellow center line, even to provide the required clearance.
Source: www.mercurynews.com