According to a new Georgia bicycle law that went into effect on July 1, 2011 Georgia motor vehicle drivers must maintain at least three feet of distance when passing bicyclists on Georgia roads. The potential penalty for failing to maintain at least three feet when passing a cyclist may include a fine or jail time.

Prior to July 1, Georgia law only required drivers to maintain a "safe distance" when passing bicyclists. However, after Carrie Kane, a Sky View Elementary School teacher, was hit by a car while biking to work last April, the new law was passed in Georgia.

At least 18 other states have similar three feet to pass laws in place, and a recent survey indicates that 92% of Georgia residents say that they will feel safer with a three feet to pass law in Georgia.

Despite the new law, bike accidents in Marietta and across the state are likely to continue. If you have been hurt in a Georgia bike accident, please call an experienced Marietta auto attorney at 1.770.518.1133 for a free consultation about your rights and potential recovery.