KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Kalamazoo city commissioners have approved an ordinance amendment that will require that drivers create a five foot space between themselves and slower moving cyclists moving in the same direction.
It could mean waiting on narrower roads until traffic clears.
It was inspired in part by the cycling tragedy in Cooper Township. One of the survivors of that was in the audience on Monday.
City staff had recommended three feet. Some commissioners were leaning in that direction but voted for the five-foot distancing anyway.
It will take effect in 10 days.
Meanwhile, lawmakers are expected to discuss a similar proposal in committee on Tuesday in Lansing. Sen. Margaret O’Brien, R-Portage, said many of the same concerns have been expressed at the state level about creating a five-foot buffer statewide that it may not work on some streets.
Also on the committee agenda today in Lansing, several other measures to increase the safety for slower moving traffic and proposals to increase penalties for those who strike cyclists and joggers.
