Around New England

Governor Charlie Baker Signs Bicyclist Safety Bill Into Law

January 3, 2023

Governor Charlie Baker has signed into law a bill designed to increase safety for bicyclists and pedestrians by adding certain requirements for motor vehicle drivers in Massachusetts.

Baker, a Republican, signed the bill on Monday, January 2, 2023, according to the governor’s office web site — three days before he leaves office.

Among other things, the bill (Massachusetts House Bill 5103):

—  Requires drivers to allow at least 4 feet of clearance when passing pedestrians and bicyclists, and allows them to cross the center line of the road to do it if available

—  Makes it easier for cities and towns to ask state officials for special lower speed limits in “thickly settled” areas

—  Requires starting January 1, 2025 vehicles over 10,000 pounds to have a lateral protective device to try to prevent people from being swept under a truck or trailer when it is making turns (but the bill excludes ambulances, fire trucks, and farm tractors from the requirement)

—  Requires starting January 1, 2025 vehicles over 10,000 pounds to have convex mirrors, crossover mirrors, and backup cameras

—  Bans after-market modifications such as bug deflectors, chrome visors, and bull bars

—  Requires the state Department of Transportation to create a form designed to help compile better statistics on motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians, bicyclists, and other of what the bill calls “vulnerable users”

As of Tuesday, January 3, 2023, the governor’s office’s web site shows the bill (called “An Act To Reduce Traffic Fatalities”) shows the bill as having been signed on Monday, January 2.

As of the evening of Monday, January 2, the web site showed the bill as pending.

Baker’s time as governor of Massachusetts is scheduled to end at noon Thursday, January 5, 2023. That’s when Maura Healey, a Democrat, replaces him.

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