The ‘three foot law’
TCA 55-8-175, Article C, Section 2: “The operator of a motor vehicle, when overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on the roadway, shall leave a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet (3′) and shall maintain the clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.” Article D: A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Chattanooga Police Officer Rob Simmons patrols Market Street on June 3, 2015 while using a brand-new device attached to his bicycle that measures the distance motorists give when passing. On a gray day threatening rain, Chattanooga bike patrol officer Rob Simmons pedals north on Market Street, hugging the right side so cars can pass easily.
A GoPro camera on his right handlebar captures the scene as Simmons cruises through the Fifth Street intersection near Buehler’s Market. Affixed to the center of the handlebar is a square device in a clear plastic case.
A green Ford Expedition appears in the lane to his left and overtakes the cyclist. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a small gray Fiat pulls up alongside Simmons and swerves into the lane ahead of him a little too close for comfort.