An Act To Clarify the Law Regarding the Passing of School Buses by Bicyclists
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §2063, sub-§9 is enacted to read:
9. Passing a school bus. A person operating a bicycle on a way, in a parking area or on school property, on meeting or overtaking a school bus from either direction when the bus has stopped with its red lights flashing to receive or discharge passengers, shall stop the bicycle before reaching the school bus. The person may not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or until signaled by the school bus operator to proceed.
The operator of a bicycle on a way separated by curbing or other physical barrier need not stop on meeting or passing a school bus traveling in a lane separated by the barrier from the lane in which that person is traveling.
summary
This bill prohibits a person operating a bicycle, motorized bicycle, motorized tricycle or a motorized scooter from passing or overtaking a stopped school bus that has its red lights flashing. This change parallels the law as it applies to operators of motor vehicles.