Safety bill for bicyclists is approved

Drivers couldn't pass within 3 feet of a bicyclist under a bill approved by the Utah Legislature on Tuesday.

The House voted 42-26 to sign off on Senate amendment giving the Utah Highway Patrol $20,000 to conduct a public education campaign on bicycle safety. The bill now goes to Gov. Jon Huntsman for his approval.

Six cyclists were struck and killed on Utah roads last year, said the bill sponsor, Rep. Rosalind McGee, D-Salt Lake. Failing to give a cyclist a 3-foot berth could bring a $40 fine, she said.