The bill revises existing bicycle safety laws in Montana by amending the conditions under which motor vehicles may pass bicycles and establishing new lighting requirements for bicycles used during low visibility conditions. Specifically, it mandates that motor vehicle operators maintain a minimum distance of 5 feet when passing a cyclist and allows them to cross the center line of the roadway to do so safely, even in no-passing zones. Additionally, the bill clarifies that motor vehicle operators must yield the right-of-way to cyclists under the same conditions as they would to other vehicles.

Furthermore, the bill requires that bicycles and mopeds be equipped with specific lighting when used at dawn, dusk, or nighttime. This includes a front lamp emitting white light visible from at least 500 feet and a rear lamp emitting red light, which must be affixed to the bicycle or cyclist. The previous option of using a red reflector has been removed. The bill also maintains the requirement for bicycles and mopeds to have adequate braking systems. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance the safety of cyclists on the road.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 61-8-320, 61-8-607