Bill would outlaw side-by-side bicycling

BOISE (AP) — An Idaho representative wants to forbid bicyclists from riding two abreast as part of a bike-safety measure that would also require drivers to maintain a three-foot distance from cyclists when passing.

Rep. Marv Hagedorn of Meridian on Monday suggested adding the two-abreast ban to the bill before it was sent to the House for amendments on an 8-4 vote.

Its sponsor, Rep. Roy Lacey of Pocatello, hopes to make it safer for non-motorized transportation on Idaho's roadways.

Lacey's measure also covers pedestrians, joggers, wheelchairs and horses.

Not everybody was supportive.

The Spokesman-Review reports House Assistant Majority Leader Scott Bedke cited an existing law requiring motorists to exercise due care when passing.

But Kurt Holzer, a Boise attorney and cyclist, says this bill helps define just what "due care" means.