Two years ago, Dan Patrick went around and around in debate with Rodney Ellis about whether this would really mean he couldn't pass a cyclist if there wasn't three feet of room. Ellis wouldn't come on out and say "Yes, Senator Patrick. There are times and places in Texas where is it not safe or legal to pass. Whether that's a car or a bicycle or a dog in the road. Sometimes we just have to slow down and wait. Patience is a virtue."
I'm calling my Senator tomorrow AM and crossing my fingers that Ellis and Patrick aren't just using this as a forum to fight. They are both from Houston and from different parties.