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Gov. Jerry Brown signed a measure into law Monday that protects cyclists from vehicular traffic. The measured had failed five times earlier.

Assembly Bill No. 1371, or the Three Feet of Safety Act, requires motorists to stay at least three feet away from a bicyclist while driving.

If the three-foot buffer zone is not possible, the driver must slow to a "reasonable and prudent" speed and pass when not endangering the cyclist's safety.  

There are currently 21 other states with a similar law. California will become the 22nd.  

Brown vetoed similar bills in the past due to liability concerns because they allowed cars to cross the double-yellow line in order to pass cyclists.

A $35 fine will be imposed on motorists who come within three feet of a cyclist, and a $225 fine will be imposed if a collision occurs between the cyclist and motorist.

The law will take effect on Sept. 16 next year.

Reach staff reporter Michael Nystrom here.