New laws are now in effect to protect bicyclists from personal injury in Pennsylvania. Sharing the urban landscape can lead to controversy, however. The new legislation, solidifying the rights of bicyclists, has generated strong comments from motorists and bicyclists at message boards and news organizations since the "safe passing" regulations when into effect in April 2012.

The new law mandates that autos must pass a cyclist by at least four feet of clearance. The law prohibits a motorist right turn that "interferes" with a cyclist going straight.

A recent article on the topic indicates that some car drivers resent bicyclists because they feel they slow them down and keep them from getting to their "important" destinations. Some contend that auto drivers resent bicyclists because they are getting exercise, while not paying exorbitant prices for gasoline or parking. Bicyclists likewise refuse to be considered "road kill" from automobile drivers because they choose to adopt a healthy and environmentally-friendly lifestyle for commuting.

Currently, less than two percent of Pittsburghers commute via bicycle each day, but that is an increase of 269 percent since the 2000 census, ranking 13th in the U.S. This data does not include those who commute occasionally or are recreational bikers.

This new law raises awareness (hopefully) of drivers and gives bicyclists more legal recourse should an accident occur. While some Pennsylvania motorists appear to not be pleased with the development, bicyclists, who are not breaking traffic laws, now have increased legal protection.

Do you believe these new laws will reduce personal injury to bicyclists in Pittsburgh?

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Pennsylvania's new bike safety law starts war of words," Bill Wade, April 8, 2012