MIDLAND, TX (KWES) - The Midland City Council has passed an ordinance to give cyclists more space on the road.
Drivers will now need to leave at least 3 feet between them and cyclists. Those driving commercial vehicles will need to keep a 6-foot distance.
The decision comes after 14 cyclists were hit by drivers in the past 22 months. Three of those accidents were fatal.
“There is no question that the reason this has come to the forefront is because of the deaths of the three cyclists earlier this year and the impact that had on our community,” Sharla Hotchkiss, Midland City Council District 3 said.
Council members back up the ordinance passing, saying it will make for a better and safer community.
The ordinance goes into effect Jan. 1 2019.