Nova Scotia’s cyclists get “one metre rule” legislation

Starting June 1 Nova Scotia’s motorists must give cyclists a one metre berth when passing. The amendment to Nova Scotia’s Motor Vehicle Act also prohibits cars from parking in bike lanes.

This is fantastic news for riders in Halifax where bike lanes are rare and short. The new law makes it permissible for motorists to cross into opposing lanes to give cyclists the mandated space if there’s no incoming traffic.

Lawrence Plug of Bicycle Nova Scotia sees the amendment as a huge step for bicycle/car interaction: “The one metre law is about education. In the long run we’ll actually get more cyclists on the road because I think the bill clarifies the interactions between motorists and cyclists. Both groups can be more confident on the road around each other.”

Nova Scotia is the first province to enact the one meter rule. Variations of the law have been under discussion in various municipalities and provinces, sometimes as a “three foot rule”. Under the amendment cyclists must ride single file and in the same direction as traffic.