A new Vermont law designed to strengthen protections for cyclists on busy roads went into effect

A new Vermont law designed to strengthen protections for cyclists on busy roads went into effect on Monday. Vermont state law now mandates that motorists must leave a 4-foot distance between their vehicle and cyclists when passing. The four-foot buffer when cars are passing has been a recommendation for several years, but now it’s law. The law mandates that motorists slow down and pass with at least four feet of buffer. It also allows drivers to pass the center line to give cyclists more room in certain circumstances. Fines will be at least $200 if a motorist is caught violating the law. Cyclists say it’s a positive step forward that motorists will have cyclist safety more at the forefront of their minds when driving.