To celebrate Governor John Lynch’s signing of a new bicycle safety bill – and to get about 55 miles worth of exercise – Gene and Judy Andersen hopped on their red Raleigh tandem bike and pedaled from their Lebanon home to the Statehouse.
The bill was sponsored by Gene Andersen, a state representative. It was signed Friday.
As of January 2009, New Hampshire law will require motorists to allow bicyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing, with an additional foot required for every 10 mph increment above 30 mph.
The law will also allow bicyclists to pass stationary cars and trucks on the right side when safe and enable bicyclists to use designated traffic turn lanes. To aid motorists, bicyclists traveling at night will be required to wear at least one item of reflective clothing.
New Hampshire becomes the 20th state in the nation to implement the so-called "three-foot rule."