Nova Scotia may soon become the first province to adopt a law that will require motorists to give at least one metre of clearance when passing a cyclist. The Nova Scotia government introduced the proposed amendment to the province’s Motor Vehicle Act on November, 15, 2010. (Note that government sponsored legislation tends to get passed on a timely basis.) The amendment would also make it an offense to fail to yield to a cyclist in a bicycle lane, prohibit parking in a bicycle lane, and would allow motorists to cross the center line to pass a cyclist.

Although Nova Scotia will be the first province to do so, 16 states have adopted "3-foot" passing laws. In Ontario, a private members bill was introduced last spring that would bring such a law into effect in that province. Although the bill passed first reading with all-party support, it has not yet been adopted, and is only scheduled for second reading in spring of 2011.

The Nova Scotia News Release on its proposed amendment