To the Editor:

You have probably seen them but are not sure why they have suddenly sprung up around town.

In April, crews from Brunswick’s Public Works Department erected “3 Foot Law Signs” that read: “Give Us 3 Feet Please. It’s the Law.”

The signs were purchased with money donated by the Midcoast Triathlon Club; Lee Huston, owner of Center Street Cycle; and the Merrymeeting Wheelers, the local bicycle club that spearheaded the fundraising effort.

Merrymeeting Wheelers was motivated by four bicycle accidents that occurred in the Spring 2012, when motor vehicles struck or forced cyclists off the road.

In 2009, the state added a statute that stated that the operator of a motor vehicle must leave “a distance of not less than 3 feet while the motor vehicle is passing the bicycle or roller skier.”

The statute goes on to say, “If it is safe to do so” so that a motor vehicle may pass a bicycle in a no passing zone. In other words certain situations the vehicle may cross a solid line or lines when overtaking a bicycle.

Most serious bicyclists are aware of the law, however it seems to be unfortunately a well- kept secret among motorists and casual cyclists.

The locations of Brunswick’s signs were chosen because the roads where they appear are frequently used bicycle routes or, in some cases, are considered Safe Routes to School.

While we understand that the Brunswick Police Department is prepared to enforce the 3-foot law when necessary, we are hoping that the new signs and a 30-second public service announcement airing on public access cable channels will educate motorists and make incidents of unsafe passing a rarity.

Margaret Morrison
Communications Director
Merrymeeting Wheelers
Bicycle Club
Brunswick