A bicycle safety law sponsored by State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins(D-Yonkers)  has been signed by Governor David Paterson.

The bill, which was dubbed "Merrill's Law" was so named after 66 year old Merrill Cassell, an avid cyclist, who was struck and fatally crushed  by a BeeLine Bus in November  2009 as he was riding on Route 119 near Aqueduct Road in Greenburgh.

Under the measure, motorists would be required to maintain minimum of three feet of space between them and a bike rider. The bill was sponsored by Westchester Assemblywoman Amy Paulin in the State Assembly.

David Wilson, President of the Westchester Cycle Club and the Bike Walk Alliance of Westchester and Putnam said the new law "Will send a clear message to motorists that cyclists have a right to the road." He added, "Merrill Cassell's spirit will live on with this law, which will make our roads safer for cyclists."

Wilson says he contacted the State Department of Motor Vehicles today to offer his assistance to develop a campaign to educate the public on what is meant by "passing at a safe distance."

He also says his organization plans to put together a 30 second Public Service Announcement that will be posted on YouTube and given to local radio and TV stations to inform the public about road safety for cyclists.