The Defined Safe Passing bill, which mandates a three-foot distance from pedestrians and cyclists, received strong support in the Senate but excludes New York City. The bill's memo cites the city's unique challenges due to its dense population and infrastructure as reasons for the exclusion. Lawmakers believe that the urban road structures and heavy pedestrian traffic make it impractical to enforce this safety measure. Critics argue that New York City is not fundamentally different from other jurisdictions with safe passing laws, emphasizing that the aim is to enhance safety for all road users.
"The Senate overwhelming approval of the so-called Defined Safe Passing bill, requires drivers to maintain at least three feet of distance when passing pedestrians... except in the five boroughs of New York City."
"Some lawmakers felt that [the three-foot passing distance] couldn't be followed in New York City because of the road structures being different..."
"Is New York City really that different from the 40 states... that have defined safe passing laws? Of course not, especially when the purpose is not urban planning but safety."
"The purpose of the laws is to leave less discretion to drivers ... and juries in the event."
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