Introduced and advocated for by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine this new law has 9 parts:

1. Three-foot clearance when passing a bicycle > 29-A MRSA §2070, sub-§1-A Passing bicycle. An operator of a motor vehicle that is passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction shall exercise due care by leaving a distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than 3 feet while the motor vehicle is passing the bicycle.

2. Solid Yellow Line Exemption > 29-A MRSA §2070, sub-§1-A A motor vehicle operator may pass a bicycle traveling in the same direction in a no-passing zone only when it is safe to do so.

3. Encourage and Enforce Helmets for Youth > 29-A MRSA §2326 sub-§2 Forfeiture. For a 2nd or subsequent violation of section 2323, subsection 1, a forfeiture of no more than $25 may be adjudged. The fine may be waived if a person presents proof of purchase of a bicycle helmet since the citation.

4. Clarify Bicyclists Driving to the Right >

29-A MRSA §2063, sub-§2 Riding to the right. A person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time and place shall drive on the right portion of the way as far as practicable except when it is unsafe to do so or:

1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle or other vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
2. When preparing for or making a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway;
3. When proceeding straight in a place where right turns are permitted; and
4. When necessary to avoid hazardous conditions, including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, broken pavement, glass, sand, puddles, ice, surface hazards or opening doors from parallel-parked vehicles, or a lane of substandard width that makes it unsafe to continue along the right portion of the way. For purposes of this paragraph, "lane of substandard width" means a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side in the lane.

5. Allowing Bicyclists to Pass on the Right > 29-A MRSA §2070, sub-§6 Passing on the right... A person operating a bicycle may pass a vehicle on the right at the bicyclist's own risk.

6. Removing Insignificant Fine Levels > 29-A MRSA §2070, sub-§7 Penalties. A person 17 years of age or over who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $25 and not more than $250 may be adjudged. A person under 17 years of age is not subject to a fine under this section.

7. Toy Vehicles in Separate Category > 29-A MRSA §2063, sub-§1 Definitions. For the purpose of this section, "bicycle" includes a motorized bicycle, a motorized tricycle or a motorized scooter.

29-A MRSA §2063-B Toy vehicles

1. Definitions. For the purpose of this section, "toy vehicle" includes, but is not limited to, skateboards, rollerskates, wagons, sleds and coasters.
2. Hitching rides. A person riding on a toy vehicle may not attach it to a moving vehicle on a way.
3. Penalties. A person 17 years of age or over who violates this section commits a traffic infraction.
4. Impoundment. The chief of police of a municipality, or if there is no chief of police, the chair of the local legislative body, when satisfied that a juvenile under 17 years of age has ridden a toy vehicle in violation of this section, may impound the toy vehicle for a period not to exceed 5 days for the first offense, 10 days for a 2nd offense and 30 days for a subsequent offense.

8. Liability Waiver to allow Bicyclists at Drive-up Windows > The new law extends a liability waiver to all businesses with drive-up windows to allow bicyclists equal access to businesses including banks, restaurants, pharmacies, ATMs, etc. (14 MRSA §159-D)

9. Updating Seating Requirement to Include Recumbents > Maine law requires bicycles to have a seat, which the bicyclist must be "astride." Because recumbent bicyclists are seated in a different position, the law was expanded with the addition of the word "upon" to include recumbents. (29-A MRSA §2063, sub-§3)