Hundreds of students ride their bikes to class each day with the fear of cars and trucks whizzing past them on the roads. On the other hand, students who drive to class, and other motorists, are constantly annoyed with the slow paced bicyclists that back up traffic. 

Bicyclists and motorists may be able to share the roads in peace after the new safe bicycle passing clearance may be passed as early as October.

The city of Auburn is in talks that the new bike ordinance would enforce motorized vehicles to have at least a 3-foot clearance between all bicyclists and their vehicles.  The discussion was brought up at the Auburn City Council meeting on Sept. 6.

“Eighteen states have an ordinance like this one including all of Alabama’s neighboring states,” said City Council member, Dick Phelan.

The new law will minimize accidents and allow motorists to safely pass riders on the road. Stephen Bolton, a senior at Auburn University, along with hundreds of other students, rides his bike to class everyday.

“I’m always afraid a car is going to hit me so I’m glad they are passing this new law,” says Stephen. “Cars are always honking at me to go faster, but now they can just go around me and stay a safe distance away.” 

Although the state of Alabama is behind on passing new bicycle safety laws, the city of Auburn has already done a great deal to ensure the safety of bike riders. 

Over the past several years many bike lanes have been added to city streets. Also, under Alabama law, bicyclists have the same rights as regular motorized vehicles. No more than two bikes are allowed to ride next to each other on the roads and they must comply with all signs and lights.

Tommy Eden, an active member of the Auburn Bicycle Committee, also spoke to the council about the new ordinance. 

“Auburn is the only bike-friendly recognized city in Alabama right now,” said Eden. “We want the entire state of Alabama to increase their bike safety laws.”

Not all citizens are too happy about the new ordinance, however. Several motorists are frustrated with bicycles being on the streets and believe the new ordinance will only slow down traffic.

“We want to be a bike friendly community and don’t want to see any tragic accidents, but we need to be fair to motorists too,” said City Council member, Bob Norman.

If you would like a complete list of bicycle safety rules and learn more about the Auburn Bicycle Committee visit www.auburnalabama.org/cycle.