News Article

Archived News Release: January 4, 2017 - ​Beginning on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, Ann Arbor's Safe Passing ordinance goes into effect requiring drivers, when passing a bicyclist, pedestrian or wheelchair user on the roadway, to maintain a distance of at least 5 feet. Drivers are reminded bicyclists may legally ride on Michigan roads, except limited access freeways and should be patient and drive cautiously and wait until enough space is available to pass bicyclists or other users in the roadway. The Michigan Secretary of State advises drivers to "pass a bicyclist as you would another vehicle, but not so fast or close that your tires throw dirt or stones into the rider's face or that a draft from your vehicle blows the bicycle about." 

Passed by the City Council in December, the new ordinance builds on Ann Arbor's continuing Walk.Bike.Drive campaign which reminds residents and visitors that each has a responsibility to keep one another safe. Ann Arbor continues its commitment to assuring the safety of those who walk, bike or drive in Ann Arbor. For more information on transportation, as well as safety tips for all users, please visit a2gov.org/walkbikedrive.

The new ordinance amends title X, Section 10:18 of Ann Arbor traffic code.

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