Brown Vetoes 3-Foot Bicycle Passing Bill

Governor Jerry Brown vetoed Senate Bill 1464, which would require California motorists to allow three feet of space when passing bicyclists on the road.  

Brown returned the bill unsigned to legislature on Sept. 28.

In a memo to the California State Senate, Brown explained his reasons for rejecting the bill.

“Crossing a double yellow line is an inherently dangerous act that increases the risk of head-on collisions. Hen a collision occurs, it will result in a lawsuit where the state is likely to be sued as a ‘deep pocket.’ By making it legal to cross a double yellow line, the weakens the state’s defense to these lawsuits,” Brown wrote.

More on Patch's coverage of bicycle passing safety efforts:

• Assembly Passes Bike Safety Bill
• 3-Foot Passing Rule: State Lawmakers to Vote Bike-Safety Bill
• Safe Riding in the Wake of Berkeley's Hit-and-Run Collision

What do you think of Brown's decision not to sign the bill?