South Dakota Bicycle Coalition

SB70 will likely be considered by the senate this week. Please contact your senator and remind them that you’d like to see this bill pass.

RE: SB 70, Three Feet Safe Passing Legislation

Dear Members of the Senate Transportation Committee,

Thank you for considering the proposed legislation that would define the minimum safe distance for a motor vehicle to pass a bicyclist on the left.

It was late in the afternoon on August 21, 2003 and I was biking on hiway 89 between Custer and Sylvan Lake. There were three of us biking and I was bringing up the rear. An RV pulling a trailer with protruding fenders passed me and the fender caught my bike. I do not remember anything about the accident or my three week stay at the hospital in Rapid City. I was taken by ambulance to the Custer Hospital and then air lifted to Rapid City. I had a severe concussion, eight multiple broken ribs, dislocated shoulder, broken scapula, and a punctured lung.

I was on pain medication for over six months and suffered from deep depression. I basically spent two years in hell. But the sun did come up again and I am now 99% cured.

If the driver of the RV had been aware of a minimum standard for safely passing a bicyclist, my accident might have been prevented. However, what I am now really concerned about, is my desire to help prevent unnecessary crashes from happening in the future.

I have worked with young people for over 40 years and have always been concerned about their safety. There are a lot of young bikers and their safety has to be important to all of us. If a simple law like the 3′ rule saves one life it will be well worth it. I certainly hope this law will get your support and pass.

Sincerely,
Larry Luitjens