The Three Feet for Safety Act is now law in California.

21760. (a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the Three Feet for Safety Act.

(b) The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking and passing a bicycle that is proceeding in the same direction on a highway shall pass in compliance with the requirements of this article applicable to overtaking and passing a vehicle, and shall do so at a safe distance that does not interfere with the safe operation of the overtaken bicycle, having due regard for the size and speed of the motor vehicle and the bicycle, traffic conditions, weather, visibility, and the surface and width of the highway.

(c) A driver of a motor vehicle shall not overtake or pass a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a highway at a distance of less than three feet between any part of the motor vehicle and any part of the bicycle or its operator.

(d) If the driver of a motor vehicle is unable to comply with subdivision (c), due to traffic or roadway conditions, the driver shall slow to a speed that is reasonable and prudent, and may pass only when doing so would not endanger the safety of the operator of the bicycle, taking into account the size and speed of the motor vehicle and bicycle, traffic conditions, weather, visibility, and surface and width of the highway.

(e) (1) A violation of subdivision (b), (c), or (d) is an infraction punishable by a fine of thirty–five dollars ($35).
(2) If a collision occurs between a motor vehicle and a bicycle causing bodily injury to the operator of the bicycle, and the driver of the motor vehicle is found to be in violation of subdivision (b), (c), or (d), a two–hundred–twenty–dollar ($220) fine shall be imposed on that driver.

(f) This section shall become operative on September 16, 2014.
Added Sec. 3, Ch. 331, Stats. 2013. Effective September 16, 2014.

The CHP and Safekids.org offer these safety tips for bicyclists:

• Wear a helmet.
• Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against. Stay as far to the right as possible.
• Use hand signals and obey traffic signals. Stop at stop signs and stoplights.
• Make eye contact with drivers. Don’t cross in front of them until you can see they are going to stop.
• At dusk, at dawn or in the evening, wear bright clothing and use lights. Make sure your bike also has reflectors. Consider reflective materials on your clothes.
• Parents should actively supervise children until you are comfortable that they are responsible to ride on their own.