As a cyclist, I am grateful that most motorists obey the “3-foot” law when they drive past cyclists. Most of our roads have no marked bike or pedestrian lanes, and bicyclists and walkers need that safe distances from moving cars and trucks.

However, I have had motorists passing me much closer than 3 feet. Usually this is in the face of oncoming traffic in the opposite lane, and they try to squeeze by rather than slow down and wait until they can safely pass.

As school starts again this fall, we will see more young riders going to school on their bikes. Please give them, and all cyclists and pedestrians, the safe 3-foot space needed to pass.

Carl Smith
Brunswick