New Bike Rules in Idaho

I recently came across an article from the Idaho Reporter all about some proposed new bicycle laws and they are pretty kooky.  As usual, when the city or state comes out with a new law, chances are it’s going to be pretty lame…this is no different.  This law is all about passing cyclists, holding up traffic and assault/threats towards cyclists…that doesn’t sound too bad, especially the last part, but it definitely does not work in favor of cyclists.  Basically, the law says that drivers must leave at least 3 feet between their passing car and the cyclist…called the three-feet-to-pass rule…however, this law will probably not be enforced.  The law also states that if driver or cyclists is holding up more than 3 cars behind them, then they must pull over and allow traffic to pass, or the cyclists or driver could face a $75 fine.  Another section to this law states that any threat made to a cyclist for slowing down a driver will be treated as a misdemeanor…also punishable by a $75 fine.  So that means that drivers can threaten and swerve at cyclists (pretty much assault with a deadly weapon) and only face a $75 fine…cool.  And it gets even better…the proposed law would require all bikes to have working brakes…even though fixies can stop just as effectively as any other bike with brakes.  So, if you live in Idaho…get ready for some changes.  Check out the full article and let us know what you think about this.