Move Over Law Goes Into Effective For Drivers Passing Bicyclists

Southwest Virginia motorists will be required to change lanes when passing a bicyclist while traveling on Virginia roadways beginning Thursday July 1. A new law approved during the latest session of the General assembly will require the lane change when the lane of travel is not wide enough to accommodate three feet in distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle. Under current law, a motorist is allowed to but does not require, a motorist to move into the other lane when passing a bicyclist in order to ensure at least three feet of distance between the bicyclist and the overtaking vehicle. The new law also removes restrictions on bicyclists riding two abreast.