A new California law will affect cyclists and drivers alike. The new law, which will go into effect in 2014, will require drivers to stay at least 3 feet away from bicyclists.
The law, starting Sept. 16, will require car drivers to stay 3 feet away from a person on a bicycle when they're passing them traveling in the same direction. If there isn't enough space, the driver must slow down and pass when there is no danger present to the bicyclist, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, USA Today reports.
However some say the law is ambiguous. Bikers claim that drivers may not be able to identify how big a 3-foot gap is and they might not know what is considered safe passage.
"It's all up for interpretation," Palm Springs cyclist Tyler Shaw, 43 said according to USA Today. "Everyone needs to guestimate at the same time they're driving or riding."
According to current California law, bicyclists must use the road and must obey all traffic rules, including stopping at red lights and riding in the same direction as traffic. They must also remain on the right side of the road unless they're turning left.
Motorists currently don't have to pass cyclists at a certain distance.
Assemblyman Steven Bradford, a Democrat from the Los Angeles suburb of Gardena, introduced the new law to determine what a safe gap is between drivers and bicyclists.
The law will also force drivers to pay closer attention to other factors such as road conditions and weather when trying to determine if they have enough space to pass with a 3-foot gap in between.
Those who break the law will be hit with a $35 fine and if a collision occurs, they'll have to pay a $220 fine.
The law won't go into effect until September because the California Department of Motor Vehicles has to update handbooks and make drivers aware of the law.
Police also need to educate themselves on the law, Indio Police Department spokesman Ben Guitron said.
"Everything has to be done within reason; you have to estimate safety," Guitron said according to USA Today.. "Distance to everyone may be a different perception. You just have to show you did everything reasonable and safe in order to conduct your action."
Despite the law going into effect, Guitron says not all drivers will obey it.
"That's what happens now," said Arnez, 35. "I wouldn't expect all drivers to pay attention. It's a minority, but someone's going to be irresponsible."
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
