State Sen. Elliot Werk began bicycling to work on a regular basis about a year ago, when gas prices soared.

His 12-mile round trip to the Capitol has given him a new perspective on the interaction between bicyclists and motorists. He's seen the good, the bad and the ugly.

"I've found drivers to be pretty courteous," Werk said. "But I've had drivers honk at me for no reason - to scare me. I've had drivers throw things at me, like beer cans."

It was during a memorial ride for one of the three local cyclists who died in crashes on Boise streets during May and June that Werk began talking with folks about what could be done to make Idaho roads safer.

Werk, who will be one of five panelists at a discussion of bike safety issues Thursday at the Falcon Tavern in Boise, said Wednesday that he plans to introduce some new bicycle bills in the next legislative session.

Here are three things he'd like to see Idaho adopt:

• A 3-feet-to-pass law. The bill would allow motorists to cross the center line, when it's safe, to allow 3 feet of passing distance near cyclists.

• A law making it illegal to throw things at or harass cyclists.

• An extra fine for bicyclists who break traffic laws. When a cyclist gets a ticket, an added $50 fee would assessed. The money would go into a fund to promote bicycling safety and infrastructure improvements.

"If we're asking drivers to be aware of cyclists, we need cyclists to be aware of drivers." Werk said of his proposal for the additional fine.

"Let's make it so if you don't follow the rules, then you contribute to the safety of the cycling community. You pay the costs of upkeep of bike lanes and creating bike routes."

Some may see this as a Boise or Treasure Valley issue, which could be addressed at the local level. Werk disagrees.

"The misnomer that somehow biking is only important in Boise is one that needs to be dispelled," Werk said. "There are people who ride their bikes all over Idaho. ... It's not a good situation if people feel like they're taking their lives into their own hands to get to the corner store."

Katy Moeller: 377-6413