Granted, the main season for cycling likely has passed in the Upper Peninsula.

But as of this past Thursday, Michigan drivers must allow at least 3 feet of room while passing bicyclists on the road.

The new Public Acts were passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder on June 29.

They require a motorist traveling in the same direction as a bicyclist make sure to stay at least 3 feet to the left until they have safely passed the bicyclist. The motorist may drive to the left of the center of the highway to pass a bicyclist if it is safe to do so, regardless of if the vehicle is in a no-passing zone.

The same space requirements apply if the motorist is passing a bicyclist that is on the left side of the vehicle.

“This is a major first step to educate the public and improve bicycle safety in Michigan. We are encouraged to see the overwhelming support from lawmakers, law enforcement and the general public for this new law,” said John Lindenmayer, executive director of the League of Michigan Bicyclists. “Bicyclists on the roads are not just bicyclists — they are moms and dads, brothers and sisters, best friends, neighbors, and co-workers. They are people in our communities trying to safely navigate our streets. They also are vulnerable roadway users. These new laws recognize this and help to create a safer environment for all roadway users in Michigan.”

Violations of the new law are civil infractions resulting in a fine and three points on the motorist’s record.

Until today, Michigan was among only 11 states without a safe passing law. It saw a significant spike in bicycle fatalities in 2016, with 38 cyclists killed on Michigan roads. This was nearly double over the previous year.

According to the Office of Safety Planning, 21 bicyclists were killed in crashes on Michigan roadways in 2017 and another 1,356 were injured.

“We are encouraged that bicycle fatalities are down and optimistic that this new safe passing will help continue that trend since a significant portion of crashes and fatalities involve a motorist striking a cyclist from behind,” Lindenmayer said.

This bicycle safety package also will require Michigan’s drivers education curriculum include no less than an hour of classroom time devoted to laws pertaining to bicyclists, motorcyclists and other vulnerable roadway users, including pedestrians.

State laws pertaining to bicyclists, motorcyclists, and other vulnerable roadway users will be incorporated to other parts of the drivers education curriculum where appropriate as well. This law will go into effect in spring 2019.

“Many Michiganders enjoy activities like bicycling, but these activities can leave them vulnerable to vehicles sharing the road,” Snyder noted. “Drivers must exercise caution and maintain awareness around vulnerable roadway users.”