November 19, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statewide Contact:Brent Buice, 706-372-9529,

Bicyclists Throughout Georgia Host “3 Feet 2 Pass” Rides to Promote New Law

As of July 1st, Georgia will be a much saferplace for cyclists. This weekend, bicycling clubs and advocacy groups across the state are celebrating the enactment of HB 101, the “Better Bicycling Bill.” Of special interest to Georgia’s bicyclists is the bill’s three foot safe passing requirement, which is beingpromoted with “3 Feet 2 Pass” group rides and eventsin a number of cities.

“The passage of House Bill 101, with a 3 foot safe passing amendment, was a tremendous step forward for bicycling safety in Georgia,” says Georgia Bikes Executive Director Brent Buice. “We recognize that the new law will only be useful if motorists are aware of it. Working with local cyclists and advocacy organizations, we’re coordinating radio PSAs and these ‘3 Feet 2 Pass’ rides to raise awareness of the new law among Georgia’s drivers.”

“3 Feet 2 Pass” rides and events will be raising awareness of the new law overthe weekend of July 1stin Atlanta, Athens, Augusta, LaGrange, Milledgeville, Norcross, & Savannah. Sponsoring organizations include the Southern Bicycle League, the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, the Athens GA Bicycling Club, BikeAthens, the Nitty Gritty Bike Band, Wheel Movement (Augusta), Ravinia Rollers, the West Georgia Flyers, and the Savannah Bicycle Campaign.

Governor Nathan Deal signed House Bill 101, the “Better Bicycling Bill,” on May 11th. In addition to the three foot passing provision, the bill makes several improvements to bicycling laws.The law now clarifies that bicycle lanes must be built according to nationally recognized minimum safety standards and that cyclists have the right of way while travelling in bicycle lanes. Cyclists are now required to ride in the direction of motor vehicle traffic while traveling in a designated bike lane. New language also specifies conditions under which a bicycle, long recognized as a vehicle in Georgia, can move into the center of a travel lane.With the enactment of HB 101 on July 1st, Georgia becomes the 18th state to adopt a three feet minimum passing distance for motorists overtaking cyclists.

The “3 Feet 2 Pass” organizer, Georgia Bikes, is a nonprofit bicycling advocacy organization, working to improve bicycling conditions and promote bicycling throughout the state of Georgia.Georgia Bikes provides state-level policy analysis and guidance for improved bicycling safety and helps coordinate two major bicycling events, the Georgia Rides to the Capitol event every March, and the Georgia Bike Summit, a conference for bicycle advocates, transportation planners, law enforcement, parents, and elected officials. The 2nd annual Georgia Bike Summit will be held in Athens, GA on October 8th. Georgia Bikes also manages a Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grant to reduce bicycle-related injuries and fatalities in Georgia. This grant is made possible by fees from the Share the Road specialty car tag. For more information about bicycling in Georgia, visit

Currently Scheduled "3 Feet 2 Pass" Rides around GA

Athens area "3 Feet 2 Pass" Ride

When: Sat, July 2, 8am – 10am
Where: Bishop Park, Athens, GA
The full ride is a 45-mile Apple Valley/Brockton Loop, and we are also including an escorted, flat 8-mile out-and-back run on the Jefferson Road bypass. This shorter option is ideal for new and less experienced riders. Questions:

Atlanta area "3 Feet 2 Pass" Ride

Friday, July 1, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Woodruff Park
Hosted By: Atlanta Bicycle Coalition

Cobb County "3 Feet 2 Pass" Ride

July 2nd, Bike Cobb & Free Flite will lead a celebratory ride commemorating the enactment of the 3' law.
Ride starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday July 2 at
Free-Flite Bicycles
4177 Roswell Road
Marietta, Ga. 30062

LaGrange "3 Feet 2 Pass" Ride

When/Where: July 2nd - roll out at 7:30AM from Upper Glass Bridge Access, LaGrange, GA
3 routes to choose from - 20, 30, 53
Route links will be available on
Cook out afterward - must RSVP to Vicki at .

Milledgeville "3 Feet 2 Pass" Ride

Friday, July 1 · 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Milledgeville City Parking Lot on S. Jefferson Street beside Oconee Outfitters
Host: Bicycling Club of Milledgeville

Multiple Savannah area "3 Feet 2 Pass" Rides:

Sat July 2nd, 37/28 miles
Darien, GA 9:00am ride departs. Meet at the parking lot between City Hall and the County Courthouse on the east side of Route 17. Contact: Patrice Cole 912 898 1731

Mon, July 4
Savannah, GA
10:00am ride departs. Meet at the north end of Forsyth Park Bull St @ Gaston St. Contact: Ed Jewell 912 826 3657

Host:

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