KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Kalamazoo city commissioners will consider a new ordinance Monday requiring that motorists give cyclists three feet of space, steering to the left, when the driver is passing the slower-moving bike.
Commissioners had talked about requiring five-foot spacing, but the city’s traffic engineer thinks that would require that drivers cross over the centerline on too many city streets, creating the danger of head on collisions.
Traffic Engineer Jim Hoekstra said it could also lead to driver frustration and anger if they have to wait for traffic to clear on the other side before the pass a slow moving bike.
Commissioners have placed the proposed ordinance on the consent agenda for first reading, which means the ordinance could be accepted for consideration with no discussion, unless someone requests it be considered in the regular agenda.
It would be back for final approval as soon as the first commission meeting in September.
Regular meetings of the Kalamazoo City Commission begin at 7 p.m. at Kalamazoo City Hall.
