CITIZEN’S ASSISTED PATROL (CAP) By Mike Weissberg Please review the following information regarding the rules of the road as they pertain to bicycles. A bicycle is a vehicle and the rider is considered a vehicle driver. Car drivers often try to pass a bicycle at unsafe distances, at unsafe times. The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. A driver overtaking a bicycle must maintain a horizontal clearance of at least 3 feet [§316.083]. Three feet is a minimum “safe distance” for passing a cyclist under typical urban conditions; when the passing vehicle is large, towing a trailer, or traveling at a much higher speed, greater lateral clearance is needed. To pass a cyclist with safe clearance, it may be necessary for a motorist to enter (at least partially) the next lane, when and where it is safe to do so. For more information, visit the Florida Bicycle Association website at floridabicycle.org/for-motorists/ CAP is always looking for more volunteers to patrol the streets. Come help be the eyes, ears, and p r e s e n c e f o r t h e S h e r i f f ’ s department. Patrols are once a week for two hours. Applications are available in the Clubhouse and HFC. For more information contact Mike Weissberg 863-324-3541 (please leave a message). 19
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