Bicyclists had mixed reactions on Tuesday to a new California law intended to safeguard them from drivers cruising along on the roadways.
As of Tuesday, drivers may not pass cyclists unless there is at least a three-foot safety space between them, or face fines of up to $1,000 if there's a collision. Otherwise, offenders - assuming the bicyclist isn't hit - may face a fine of between $35 and $200.
Some, like Emma Raymor, worried the buffer zone would enrage drivers even more.
"I think its difficult because there's a danger that if there's not much space in the lane the drivers are going to get very frustrated behind you," she said, taking a break from cycling in San Francisco. "So, I don't know. I think it's going to be tough."
Brenda Litzinger, however, was happy with having more wiggle room for her two-wheeled vehicle.
“Biking in San Francisco, especially on Market Street, tends to be pretty dangerous so anything to give bikes more space and more safety, I think it's a good thing."
Others say the new law doesn't do enough to keep cyclists safe.
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"I don’t think the bikes can compete with the trucks, the Muni railway, and the all cars," said David Clisham, who works on Market Street in San Francisco. There's just "way too much traffic and it's dangerous...there’s generally an accident every couple days a week.”
But Raymor added that drivers and bicyclists have to learn to get along; each share a bit of the responsibility.
"I drive a car in the city too," she said, "and I think it's just about being aware and looking around, paying attention and knowing that between bikes, pedestrians and buses, we all have to share."
