A new bill (SB 488) before Gov. Perry seeks to curb the increasing number of bicycle injuries on North Texas streets.
It would make it illegal for anyone to come within three feet of a cyclist while passing.
Texas motorists are not known for awareness of their unmotorized, two-wheeled counterparts. An issue of Bicycing magazine recently named Dallas in particular as one of the worst cities for bicycling.
Overall in the United States, the number of bicycle-related deaths for those over 16 increased by 80 percent since 1975.
If Perry signs the bill, it would go into effect Sept. 1, and violators would face fines from $500 to $2,000 and possibly up to 180 days in prison.
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