Cars would have to keep a distance of at least five feet when passing bicycles under a bill passed by the Alabama Senate today.

Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa, the bill's sponsor, proposed a distance of three feet.

Sen. Bill Holtzclaw, R-Madison, had Allen's bill amended to change it to five feet.

Allen said he is a cyclist who has experienced close brushes with vehicles.

He said the bill, in addition to specifying a safe distance, would promote public awareness about safety for cyclists.

Current law says that vehicles overtaking another vehicle must pass at a "safe distance" but does not define that.

The current law does not specifically refer to passing bicycles.