The Austin City Council adopted an ordinance that will require a three-feet passing distance between cars and bicycles Thursday. 

The ordinance, sponsored by Mayor Lee Leffingwell and City Council members Chris Riley and Mike Martinez passed by a 6-0 vote.

Both vehicle drivers and bicyclists will be penalized for the violation of the safe passing ordinance. The offense will result in a Class C Misdemeanor, which can include a fine up to $500 and may also result in an appearance in a municipal court. If in the case of an accident, the consequence of this violation could result in a Class B Misdemeanor. A Class B Misdemeanor includes a $2,000 dollar fine and up to 180 days in jail. The new ordinance also helps to prevent harassment that runners and bicyclists experience while on the road.

In late August, the city council approved the preparation of the ordinance to prohibit drivers or bicyclists from coming within three feet of one another. The ordinance aims to protect bicyclists and other vulnerable road users including skaters, runners, disabled persons and maintenance workers.

Eric Bomblatus, a sophomore at St. Edward’s and an avid cyclist, said not many people are aware of cyclists.

“Just a week ago a driver yelled at me to get off the road,” he said. “It seems too that some people honestly don’t care.”

The ordinance would have been a state law, but Texas Gov. Rick Perry vetoed a bill that required the distance in June despite bipartisan support. Perry claimed that state law already protects the bicyclists and that the bill was unnecessary.

Bomblatus said that he likes that Austin has taken the matter into its own hands.

“Austin is not as developed as other larger cities that have a dominant bike culture, like New York or Portland,” he said. “But I see Austin going there. These ordinances are working toward it so I welcome positive changes that make the road safer for both motorists and cyclists.”

In the last few months, Austin has extended bicycle routes and created new paths for cyclists to travel through. As Austin’s cycling community flourishes, the city is consciously protecting the safety of these cycling citizens.

“I support any ordinance or public education program which seeks to improve cyclists’ safety but it is also the cyclists themselves who ought to exercise caution – for now at least,” Bomblatus said. “The road is unpredictable.”

However, the ordinance, along with an ordinance banning text-messaging while driving which will also receive a vote Oct. 22, seem difficult for police to enforce.

Authorities must have a keen eye to see the violations occur. But if people are aware of the ordinance, it will most likely influence citizens to be more cautious, because if they are caught in violation, they will face heavy penalties.