HONOLULU -- Honolulu council members Wednesday gave preliminary approval to a bill to make drivers stay at least three feet away from bicyclists.

Bicyclists said that would make riding safer, and would encourage more people to cycle.

Ryan Selzer rides his bike to work every day from Kapahulu to Downtown, ... dodging trucks and cars with buses always looming behind him.

"I just have to watch every car to make sure they see me. It makes you stay focused," said Selzer.

Selzer likes the proposal to make drivers keep three feet from bikes.

"Excellent idea, it is very dangerous -- especially right hand turns -- people don't pay attention to you. I think it would be great," Selzer said.

Honolulu City Councilmember Charles Djou introduced the bill.

"Nobody should be injured or heaven forbid killed riding a bicycle on our roads," said Djou.

But some drivers said bikers must also be cautious about pulling out too close to cars.

"I feel afraid of hitting them and I am sure they are afraid of getting hit at the same time," said Mitch Parcel.

Council chair Todd Apo supports ramping up safety remembering surviving two decades ago when a car smashed into him.

"It was very scary. It was my first and only experience of riding in an ambulance but yeah, to be biking along and the next thing you know sitting on the side of the road with people around you and your shoes half way down the street, yeah it was scary," Parcel said.

One concern that keeps hearing about the bicycle safety bill is that it's unenforceable.

Djou said it's easier to enforce than vague current law that said drivers must pass at a "Safe Distance."

Under the proposal violators face fines up to $100.