What's New!

Massachusetts Enacts Bike-Ped Safety Legislation

On January 2, 2023, Massachusetts adopted “An Act to Reduce Traffic Fatalities” into law! This critical traffic safety bill has a variety of components that will make Massachusetts roadways safer for everyone. Read the final text here. Massachusetts was already ranked the #1 most bicycle-friendly state in 2022 by the League of American Bicyclists.

For the past 10 years, the state’s bike advocacy organization, MassBike, has been advocating for “An Act to Reduce Traffic Fatalities” working closely with the state’s Vision Zero Coalition. The Act will support not only the safety of people walking and biking, but also the safety of people in wheelchairs, construction workers on their job sites, tow truck drivers, first responders stopped on the side of the road, and anyone out on public ways without the protection of steel, seatbelts, and airbags.

Here are some of the key components of the bill:

Defines Vulnerable Road User

The legislation defines “vulnerable road users” to include people walking and biking; roadside workers; people using wheelchairs, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, etc.

Safe Passing

The Act establishes a “safe passing distance” of 4 feet. Massachusetts is one of the last states to pass a safe passing distance.

Truck Safety Devices

Requires state-contracted trucks to be equipped with safety side-guards, mirrors, and backup cameras to reduce fatalities of people walking and biking. This requirement will help reduce “right-hook” fatalities.

Safer Speed Limits

Clarifies the process for municipalities to alter speed limits in thickly settled areas from 30 mph to 25 mph both on state-controlled roads and on the roads they control.

Crash Reporting

To improve statewide data collection surrounding crashes involving vulnerable road users, the Act develops a standardized analysis tool to be used to report crashes and incidents involving a person biking or walking. Standardized crash reporting will allow bike-ped advocates to systematically measure, report, and track crashes, enabling data-informed changes that increase roadway safety.

Rear Red-Light Requirement

To ensure cyclists are visible, the Act adds a new requirement for use of rear red lights at night. This means that when riding at night bicyclists should have both a front and rear light. To support compliance with this new requirement, MassBike will redouble its efforts to distribute free bike lights.

The passing of “An Act to Reduce Traffic Fatalities” is a tremendous step forward toward Vision Zero and ending needless fatalities on roadways. Congratulations, Mass Bike and Vision Zero Coalition!