From the Concord Monitor in Concord, NH:

As of Jan. 1, 2009, a new state law will require motorists to allow bicyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing, with an additional foot required for every 10 mph increment above 30 mph.

New Hampshire becomes the 20th state in the nation to implement the so-called “three-foot rule.”

Provisions in the new law will also address rumble strips, which can force bicyclists into traffic, and drain gates, which can cause accidents when bicycle tires sink into the grooves.

The new law was passed with the support of the Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, a Concord-based pedestrian and bicyclist advocacy group, but the impetus for the law was a local citizen, Judy Andersen, an avid cyclist of 30-plus years, who read an article about a similar law being passed in Maine, and decided that the Granite State should have it’s own version of the law.

Of course, it didn’t hurt that her husband is a State Representative, who sponsored the bill. Still, Judy and BWA education and safety director Dave Topham personally lobbied the Department of Transportation, Department of Safety and Department of Motor Vehicles, and voiced their support at hearings for the bill at the statehouse.

As the advocacy group says on their web site: “BWA-NH is very pleased with this result after just six months of submitting a bill deemed controversial by some parties, likewise we wish to express sincere thanks to Representative Gene Andersen of Lebanon as the sponsor who made everything happen. Bicyclists and motorists need to understand that our shared roadways are meant to transport people via any type of legal vehicle. HB-1203 helps to further legitimatize the bicyclist as a true vehicle operator by making both motorists and road construction crews more aware that our roadways are meant for more than cars. Also, a word of thanks to everyone who sent emails and letters to the House and Senate Transportation committees or testified in person during the hearing process. The NH legislators heard you loud and clear.”

Read more: Law: Make way for bicyclists, full text of HB-1203