The new law requires that motorists may pass bicyclists only
"at a safe distance," which is defined as "sufficient to prevent
contact with the person operating the bicycle if the person were to fall
into the driver's lane of traffic."
The law makes exceptions for
cars traveling 15 mph or slower and when bicyclists are in a lane next
to a designated bicycle lane. It also allows motorists to drive to the
left of the center of the road to pass a bicyclist, as long as there are
no oncoming vehicles.
Next up for the coalition is work on a "vulnerable road user" bill to enhance penalties when
a biker or other vulnerable road user (such as pedestrians, police,
highway workers, wheelchair users, first responders) are actually struck
by a motorist not taking due care.
You can read more about Frank's Law at the Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition's website and in this Projo.com article.
