New Michigan law makes riding bikes safer on the road

(WJBK) - A new law in Michigan is aimed at making the roads a safer place among drivers and bicyclists. 

Trevor Layton is from SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, and they're behind a new campaign called Walk, Bike, Drive Safe. The goal is to reduce deadly crashes involving vehicles and pedestrians or bicyclists. 

He rides about 11 miles to work on his bike. 

He's all too familiar with the complaints from drivers who say the guy on the bike in the road is slowing traffic; why doesn't he get on the sidewalk? 

Trevor will tell you bikes have every right to be on every road except expressways -- and that sidewalks are for walking. A new Michigan law explains exactly how vehicles are to navigate around bikes. 

"There's a new law in Michigan that requires people who are driving cars to pass people on bikes giving at least three feet. And, so, the reality is if the situation isn't safe to allow three feet while passing, it's the responsibility of the driver to wait until such an opportunity presents itself," Trevor explains.

Yes, there are more bicyclists than ever right now, which is good for the environment, physical health, and economic development. But, whether you're walking, biking or driving you have to be aware of others and follow the rules of the road. 

To learn more about staying safe on the road, visit www.walkbikedrivesafe.org.