CA Department of Motor Vehicles: Our new best friend?

I had to take the test to renew my driver’s license the other day, so I read the Driver Handbook the evening before, just to be on the safe side. To my surprise and delight, the new 2013 Handbook gives a lot of attention to bicyclists. There are 2-1/2 pages devoted to bicyclists, bicyclists' rights, and safety issues such as watching out for bikes making right turns or opening the car door, giving enough space, etc. In addition, bicyclists are mentioned in other sections with reminders to be aware of bicyclists in various situations. You can check it out at http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl600.pdf.

Turns out that this development owes a lot to SVBC. Through our Vision Zero program and our contacts with the DMV we pushed to get bicyclist safety featured in the Driver Handbook. I’m excited that this information is in it now.

How did I do on my test? Fine, but I missed the question about the safety boxes at street car stops. Not really part of my experience, but now I know they are off limits for cars!