A new bicycle law requiring drivers to leave three feet of space between a car and a bicycle when passing on a roadway goes into effect on September 16th. CHP Officer Greg Tassone says the Three Feet for Bicycle Safety Law insures that cyclists have a safe distance when being passed by a car.

Click here to listen to Officer Greg Tassone

Tassone says the reduced speed should allow both a driver and cyclist to take evasive action if something unforeseen were to occur.

Click here to listen to Officer Greg Tassone

Nevada County road conditions add challenges to the Three Feet Law.

Tassone reminds all drivers that you are not allowed to cross over a double yellow line for any reason short of an emergency. So the only option is to slow to a safe passing speed. He says the CHP gets complaints from both cyclists and motorists on area roads such as Highway 49.

Click here to listen to Officer Greg Tassone

In many cases the road is only 11 feet wide with a double yellow line. So how much is a driver to slow down without crossing the double yellow line? Tassone says there is no hard and fast rule, but common sense should dictate speed.

The Three Feet for bicycle Safety Law goes into effect on September 16th. If you have any questions contact the California Highway Patrol.