At Three Feet Please (3FP), we’re committed to helping individuals and communities advocate for safer roads. While we do not directly engage in legislative advocacy, we provide educational resources, connect you with experienced advocates, and share best practices to guide your efforts.
Build a Coalition
- Real change starts and ends with local groups. Policymakers want to hear from their own community, so focus on building a strong, local coalition of supporters.
- Avoid relying on national or external organizations, as they can sometimes hinder your campaign. Instead, gather support from local cyclists, safety advocates, businesses, and concerned citizens to form a united voice for change.
- Reach out to local non-profits in your State and City, city planners, and advocacy groups to build a network of support for your cause.
Understand the Issue: Why Safe Passing Laws Matter
- Safe passing laws protect cyclists by requiring motorists to maintain a minimum distance (typically 3 feet) when overtaking a cyclist on the road.
- These laws reduce collisions, prevent injuries, and promote safer interactions between cyclists and motorists.
- What You Can Do: Educate your community and lawmakers on the proven effectiveness of safe passing laws. Use data and case studies to back your advocacy.
Connect with Successful Advocates
- Learn from others: Connect with local groups, non-profits, and activists who have successfully advocated for cycling laws in their communities. They can share what worked—and what didn’t.
- What We Provide: We can connect you to leaders who have experience both in successful and unsuccessful advocacy efforts, so you can learn the best strategies to implement.
Stay Focused on Education
- As a 501(c)(3) organization, we focus on education. We provide fact-based information on the effectiveness of safe passing laws and other cycling safety measures.
- What You Can Do: Educate policymakers and the public by sharing resources, studies, and case studies that highlight the benefits of safe passing distance regulations.
Messaging for Success
- Be data-driven: Use clear, compelling statistics and real-world examples to demonstrate the positive impact of cycling safety laws.
- Frame the issue as a public safety concern: Show how safe passing laws benefit not just cyclists but the entire community by creating safer roads.
- Engage with local media: Write opinion pieces, letters to the editor, and seek media coverage to raise awareness.
Connect with Policymakers
- Build relationships: Meet with city or state legislators and present evidence-based arguments about the need for safer roads for cyclists.
- Present community support: Show policymakers that there is widespread support for cycling safety measures in your community.
Stay Persistent
- Legislative advocacy can take time. Stay organized, follow up regularly with policymakers, and continue educating your community about the benefits of safe passing and other cycling laws.
Resources We Provide
- Educational Materials: Facts, data, and studies on the effectiveness of safe passing distance laws.
- Connections: Access to groups and leaders with experience in advocating for cycling safety laws.
- Best Practices: Step-by-step guides on how to organize your community and engage with policymakers.
Need More Information?
Contact us → for more educational resources or to connect with successful cycling advocates across the country.