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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A new state law is expanding the distance required between drivers and other occupants on Massachusetts roadways.
According to the new vulnerable road user laws that went into effect on April 1, motorists will need to provide a "safe passing distance" of at least 4 feet when passing vulnerable road users.
Massachusetts defines "vulnerable road user" to include pedestrians, bicyclists, roadside workers, wheelchair users, skateboarders, people on scooters, roller skaters, horse-drawn carriages, and farm equipment.
The law also states that motorists are explicitly allowed to cross a double-yellow line on the road when it is safe to pass and adhering to the roadway's speed limit.
"I think it’s great because there are just so many accidents that actually happen in Somerville, so anything that’s going to help," said frequent runner Leila from Somerville.
"I think in the winter it’ll be an obstacle, especially [since] four feet sounds like a lot," Michelle from Medford told WBZ NewsRadio. "Is there going to be enough room on both sides of the road, I’m not sure."
Massachusetts is the 36th state to define safe passing as at least 3 feet.
The vulnerable road user laws will also require bicyclists to use a front white light and rear red light and rear reflector when riding at night.
WBZ's Shari Small (@ShariSmallNews) reports.
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