3-foot ordinance goes into effect Monday

A new Austin city ordinance aimed at keeping cyclists safe goes into effect Monday.

[TXMom]

Real nice, will the city start enforcing the damn bicyclers for breaking the traffic laws? I doubt it. So let's ticket drivers because the bike is riding the line of the bike lane, swerving back and forth, and the car can't move for fear of hitting other cars. This is one of the stupidest things that the city of Austin has done this year.

[nikknakpattywhak]

stupid? how about those noise ordinances in areas that have survived and made a name for themselves throughout the years by bringing in live music. who is that hurting, or killing? and maybe if there were more bike lanes then certain lazy asses wouldnt be so burdened by these eco friendly travelers... why dont we try to push for that?

[Not Sad]

The streets are overcrowded as it is and trying to enforce this law is insane. You have cars moving left or right as they pass a bike and it might make a driver in the other lane think theyre drifting over and not paying attn and bad things could happen.

Sure, I get its purpose but lets be honest, you enforce the laws on bicyclists as if theyre a motor vehicle and Id be fine with that. Its bad enough they get free reign on the damn toll roads.

[Moreroadcongesti on]

I wonder how many accidents will becaused by people moving over to give clearance. I guess no one thought about how crowded the roadways are before deciding "WOW, that's a good idea!"

[Tess]

I agree, if they expect drivers to veer into oncoming traffic for cyclists, then cyclists need to obey the traffic laws. I have almost been in several accidents as a direct result of a cyclist doing whatever they feel like and doing it with no concern for the drivers around them. I will not be forced off the roads I bought my truck to drive on. I think this new ordinance should be protested.
They show no concern when swirving into trafic, they don't obey stop signs, forcing drivers to slam on thier brakes to avoid hitting them.

[Stephen]

Seriously?!? You are worried about giving 3 feet to bikes? Have you thought about how little space 3 feet actually is? I am sure as you pass bikers now you are giving them more than 3 feet.

Also, I feel like I need to remind everyone that in the city of Austin, bikers have the same rights as the cars on the road including taking the whole lane. Yes, bikers should be forced to obey traffic laws but that doesn't mean that cars should be able to run bikers off the road!