A new City of Austin ordinance went into effect Monday requiring a 3-foot space between cars and cyclists or other vulnerable road users. Police plan to enforce it by looking for dangerous drivers, both in vehicles and on bicycles.
It seems the University of Texas area is always buzzing with traffic.
"It's really heavy pretty much all of the time," said Amanda Moncada.
Cars and bikes weave in and out lanes. But beginning November 2, there will have to be more space.
"I think it's a great idea if people in cars know the rules," said Fred Chieux, cyclist.
A new Austin city ordinance requires a 3-foot buffer zone between vehicles and bikes.
"The bicyclist also has to be sure they're making very wise decisions while they're driving. As you know, there's a lot of traffic, and if they make a wrong choice it can really hurt them," said Linda Del Toro.
Austin police say both drivers and cyclists are responsible for following the new ordinance.
"We are looking for dangerous patterns -- dangerous driving patterns by both vehicles and bicyclists. Whoever it is that happens to be driving dangerously, they're the ones who will be cited," said APD Corporal Scott Perry.
Police officers will use their judgment to determine whether a driver or cyclist crosses that 3-foot zone. Tickets are Class C misdemeanors, with a fine of $500.
"I think would probably be pretty hard to enforce, because you're going to have lots of people pushing the limits. But it's a good idea. It seems a lot safer than dodging between cars and getting really really close," said Moncada.
Because a close call - is just a whisper away from someone getting hurt.
methinks said on November 3, 2009 at 6:47 AM
I just read a copy of the law. Sorry, but it's one of the dumbest ones I've ever seen, regardless of actual road conditions, and I don't know how it could even be enforcable, as though the cops didn't already have enough to do...
keiffers said on November 3, 2009 at 8:17 AM
The new ordinance (not law) will just give more power to those on bicycles to do as they wish, and then blame the motorist. State law says that bicyclists must follow the same road laws as motor vehicles do, yet APD isn't enforcing red light and stop sign running, nor their cutting through traffic or private property. Instead of enacting a stupid ordinance like this, why not actually go after the bicyclists that regularly break the law. Most of them seem that the road is theirs and motorists are merely there as guests. Sorry, this is a dumb rule...and will probably end up in court when it is proven wrong by means of a vehicle making a bicyclist their hood ornament
orangeleslie said on November 3, 2009 at 2:48 PM
Like I said yesterday.....this will only add to more road rage and people getting hurt. Some of these old roads are not wide enough to accomodate both car and bike. and by the way KVUE, I don't like the new website at all! cheesy font and to much advertising....I feel lost and I probably won't come back. I'll be checking out FOX ! and what's with the recaptcha! You make me feel like a idiot!
genius said on November 3, 2009 at 6:49 PM
The ordinance doesn't apply to cyclists being within 3 feet so not sure what the police are going to enforce on that side of things.
sergeastorms said on November 6, 2009 at 10:33 PM
So what are we supposed to do about the idiots that ride out in the middle of the street when they have their stupid little bike lanes? I almost hit a bicyclist the other day that was happily riding down the middle - ON THE YELLOW STRIPE - of Mesa Drive. ENFORCE the bicycle laws instead of making stupid laws like this. LAWS LIKE THIS DO NOT WORK. It's bad enough that motorists have to be aware of other motorists that run red lights and stop signs, speeding or impeding traffic and drive down the middle of the road.