On September 16, 2014, the Three-Feet-for-Safety Act took effect. This new law makes it illegal for drivers to pass within three feet of a bicycle, giving cyclists a safer bicycle buffer zone when traveling on roadways.

In case you haven’t seen it, the Three-Feet-for-Safety video has been making the rounds. It makes a great case for the bicycle buffer zone, and it’s actually really, really funny:

As funny as the video is, bicycle safety is a serious matter. Drivers often get a little too close for comfort when passing bicycles. Likewise, cyclists often operate their bicycles recklessly, riding outside of bike lanes and ignoring traffic signs and lights. It’s a two-way street, so to speak.

Hopefully this new California law will make things safer – at least on one side of the metaphorical street. Drivers in every state should give cyclists plenty of room and pass them as safely as possible. Not only will it save money on traffic fines, but it will save lives.

So the next time you have to share the road with a cyclist, remember the three-foot bicycle buffer zone.