DENVER -- Drivers in Colorado are now required to give cyclists a wide berth.

A new bicycle safety law went into effect Wednesday. The law requires drivers to give cyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing or risk a $110 ticket.

The executive director of Bicycle Colorado, Dan Grunig, told 7NEWS earlier that the buffer will give bicyclists flexibility to maneuver around road debris and to deal with other factors, like wind.

"Even wind from a passing vehicle can cause bicyclists to change their course a bit," Grunig said. "So providing that safe distance helps insure that if there's a rock or a pothole in the bikers way, that they're not in the way of a car too."

So drivers have to give the cyclist 3 feet of space -- even if that means drivers need to cross the center line, as long as it is safe to do so.

But cyclists will also have to obey a new rule as well. Bicycle Colorado made signs that reminded cyclists they have to ride as far right as possible, and when passing or riding two abreast, they cannot impede traffic.

The new law also deals with a form of road rage.

Anyone who throws an object at a cyclist could be charged with a class 2 misdemeanor. That carries a fine of between $250 and $1,000 and a possible sentence of three to 12 months in jail.

"That type of behavior is never all right," Grunig said. "It could potentially cause a crash."

The new law also makes it a class 1 petty offense for anyone to throw an object at or against any vehicle.

The bill was sponsored by a bipartisan pair of avid cyclists -- Republican Sen. Greg Brophy of Wray and Democratic Rep. Mike Merrifield of Colorado Springs.

The Colorado Legislature passed the bill earlier this year, despite objections from some in law enforcement that the space requirement would be hard to enforce.

Gov. Bill Ritter signed the bill into law to help clarify the rules of the road and to protect cyclists from aggressive drivers.

Some cyclists say the law isn't perfect but it's a good start.

"I think it's a good idea. I know there are a lot bikers in this town so I think that will definitely help," said bicyclist Kristen Heath.

"If (drivers) are not aware of the law, it's not going to do any good. They'll just get in your lane, they'll move you over. They do what they need to. Hopefully, this changes things," said cyclist Richard Azofeifa.

Law enforcement agencies in most counties say the law will be difficult to enforce so it will be up to drivers to use common sense.

However, in Boulder County, where the tension between cyclists and drivers are high, the sheriff's office has appointed a mediator to manage the confrontation between the two groups.

The Colorado transportation department is also looking at some roads to see if there are lanes that can be widened or shoulders that can be added.