RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond leaders are moving from warnings to enforcement, cracking down on illegal parking in bike lanes and buffer zones. The new law is aimed at improving safety for cyclists. "It’s been a really deadly couple years, but the past few months have been particularly deadly for vulnerable road users in the city," said Natalie Rainer with BikeWalk RVA, a SportsBackers program. Under the new law approved on Wednesday, April 27, buffer zones next to bike lanes are officially designated as no-parking areas. "One of the most common complaints that we hear from cyclists and people who are bike- interested in the city of Richmond is that they feel unsafe riding in our city and cars parking in the buffer zone," Rainer said. She added that illegally parked vehicles can force cyclists closer to traffic and narrow already limited space in bike lanes. "The more comfortable that people are using our bike lanes, the more possible it is for families and residents alike of all walks of life to replace car travel with bike travel," Rainer said. "I am glad that we have an ordinance now that just really clarifies that this is something that you can be ticketed for." On Patterson Avenue, enforcement of the new rule was already visible. Cars parked within the buffer zone were seen with tickets issued under the updated policy. Still, at the City Council meeting, some Richmonders raised concerns. "A lot of people are scared to get out of their cars, myself included," said Emma Hartman. "Because people go down that road very fast and we do not have enough space to get out of our cars." Rainer said we all need to watch out for each other on the roads, drivers, bikers and pedestrians. "Think about that on any street where she parallel parks, even streets without a bike lane -- you always need to look before you open your car door," Rainer said. ...read more read less