Passing a Bicycle? New Law Says "Keep Your Distance or Pay a Hefty Fine."

The legislation focuses on enhancing safety and clarity for cyclists and other “vulnerable road users” (like pedestrians and road crews).

As Vermont’s roads see more cyclists, from commuters to weekend riders, the state has rolled out a suite of new laws in the 2024-25 biennium to make biking safer and more accessible. Signed into law through Act 165 (2024) and S.123 (2025), these changes strengthen protections for cyclists, modernize outdated rules, and lay the groundwork for future bike-friendly policies. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new, who benefits, and what it means for Vermonters.

Overview of the New Laws

The legislation focuses on enhancing safety and clarity for cyclists and other “vulnerable road users” (like pedestrians and road crews). Key changes include:

• Stronger Safety Protections: A new 4-foot safe-passing rule requires drivers to give cyclists at least 4 feet of space when overtaking, with a minimum $200 fine for violations. This codifies what was previously just advisory, aligning Vermont with 36 other states.

• Modernized Traffic Rules: Starting in 2026, cyclists can legally proceed through intersections when pedestrian “WALK” signals are lit, mirroring rules in places like California and Burlington. New bike-specific traffic signals also get clear legal definitions, making it easier for towns to install them.

• Clearer Riding Practices: Updated language clarifies that cyclists can ride two-abreast within a single lane, as long as they don’t impede traffic, modernizing 1970s-era wording.

• Education and Planning: A statewide bike-safety campaign will roll out by April 2026, alongside studies on bike-friendly policies like the “Idaho Stop” (allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yields) and broader protections for non-motorized road users.

• Trail Access: Towns now have explicit authority to maintain “legal trails,” which could benefit mountain bikers, though this depends on local action.

While most changes directly aid cyclists, some—like repealing the mandate for pedestrians to use sidewalks—impact shared-road dynamics. A full Idaho Stop law and e-bike rebates didn’t make the cut this session, but a study on stop-as-yield rules is underway, with a report due by December 2024.

Who Benefits?

These laws primarily help cyclists by making roads safer and rules clearer, but they also benefit pedestrians, road crews, and municipalities. Drivers gain from educational campaigns that clarify how to share the road. However, some measures, like trail maintenance, depend on local follow-through, which could limit their impact.

What’s Next?

With reports on bike-friendly policies due in late 2024 and early 2025, Vermont is poised for more changes. Cyclists and advocates, like those at Local Motion, are watching closely for progress on stop-as-yield rules and potential e-bike incentives in future sessions.