8/26/10 – Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa today joined cyclists and city officials to unveil the City’s winning bicycle safety awareness slogan and poster.  The poster slogan “Give Me 3” encourages drivers to maintain a 3-foot passing distance when passing bicycles. 

“California law currently requires drivers to give a ‘safe passing’ distance, but drivers may not know what safe means. 3-feet is a safe passing distance and will help keep bicyclists out of the door zone,” said Mayor Villaraigosa.

Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa unveiled the City’s winning bicycle safety
awareness slogan and poster, which has the slogan “Give Me 3”.
photo courtesy Office of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa

"This Bike Awareness and Safety poster symbolizes the start of a commitment to creating safer streets for cyclists. It is just the first of many more initiatives we hope to see come to fruition to ensure that cyclists are safe and feel welcome on our city streets," said Jennifer Klausner, Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition.

The winning slogan “Give Me 3” by cyclist Danny Gamboa was the winner among more than 200 entries in a contest held in April.  The poster was designed by LA based graphic artist and cyclist Geoff McFetridge.  Representatives of the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, Midnight Ridazz, and the Mayor’s office selected the winning slogan.

The cycling advocates and Mayor Villaraigosa also called for a state law to require that drivers give cyclists 3-feet when passing.  In 2006 similar legislation was introduced but did not pass in the California legislature.

The “Give Me 3” poster encourages drivers to maintain a
3-foot passing distance when passing cyclists.
photo courtesy Office of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa

Mayor Villaraigosa also reminded cyclists to always wear a helmet when riding.  Although helmet use is only required for cyclists under age 18, the Mayor learned firsthand of the importance of a helmet in his recent bicycle accident.

“I know firsthand that if I wasn’t wearing a helmet in my accident I would be in a lot worse shape today.  Parents, please make your children wear their helmets – for kids, it’s the law - and for adults, it's just the smart thing to do,” added Mayor Villaraigosa.

The ads will be installed in the City’s bus shelters starting this week.  The ad space and installation is provided free of charge under the City’s contract with the shelter vendor.