Cyclists laud safe passing rule

Professional South West cyclists say the introduction of minimum safe passing rules aimed at providing greater protection for road users will save lives.

Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts announced the new rules on Saturday. They come into effect from November 30.

The new rules require drivers to pass a cyclist at a minimum distance of one metre on a road with a speed limit of 60kmh or less, or 1.5 metre on a road with a speed limit of more than 60kmh.

South West professional triathlete Matt Duncan said the changes would benefit both cyclists and drivers, and had the potential to save lives.

“I think drivers having it in the back of their minds that they have to give a metre or 1.5m in the faster zones is going to keep them a little bit more aware of the cyclists,” he said.

“If they are leaving that little bit of extra room, I think it is definitely going to make for safer roads.”

Mr Duncan, who recently moved to Queensland where the rules have been in effect for years, said he had already seen the difference the legislation made for cyclists.

“I ride around 15 hours a week on the roads and since coming here (Queensland) in the first week I noticed the drivers are a lot more tolerant of bike riders,” he said.

“It is definitely a great law that WA has needed in place for a number of years now.”

Bunbury cyclist Connor Lambert said the penalty for drivers who broke the new law ($400 fine and four demerit points) was a suitable deterrent.

“The motorist is in a big heavy, metal two-tonne shell and the cyclist is on a 6-7kg carbon fibre and has a polystyrene foam helmet,” he said.

“That is all they have to protect them and it can go really bad really quick. It will just make the motorist think a bit more before they act.”

Mr Lambert said despite the upcoming rule change, cyclists must take responsibility for their actions.

“There are some cyclists that aren’t very polite to other motorists,” he said.

“They take up a bit more room or they don’t look when they turn. It’s not all riders but obviously there are some exceptions to the rule.”