Adelaide drivers ignoring one-metre overtaking rule for cyclists
CYCLIST safety is being put at risk by motorists breaking the minimum one-metre passing distance law introduced almost a year ago.
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CYCLIST safety is being put at risk by motorists breaking the minimum one-metre passing distance law introduced almost a year ago.
A new survey by Bike SA revealed drivers were not obeying the road rule, which applies on suburban streets where the speed limit is 60km/h or less.
More worryingly, 55 per cent of cyclists said drivers were disobeying the minimum 1.5m passing law applicable to roads with speed limits above 60km/h.
Among the comments from the more than 1000 rides surveyed were “there’s still plenty (of drivers) who get too close’’ and “motorists seemed to obey the one-metre rule immediately after introduction but compliance seems to have reduced since then’’.
Bike SA chief executive officer Christian Haag said the survey findings, released Tuesday, were worrying.
He said while many motorists respected the mandatory passing distance “there remains a significant and concerning number who choose to continually disregard the new road rules and jeopardise bicycle rider safety’’.
Mr Haag said education campaigns and law enforcement had big roles to play in changing road users behaviour.
“There’s a really important role for SAPOL to deliver blitz campaigns for both motorists and cyclists to obey the law,’’ he said.
Latest police figures show a dozen drivers have been fined $347 each and 18 cautioned for failing to keep a minimum distance when passing a cyclist since the law was introduced.
RAA road safety manger Charles Mountain said most people would be a aware of the passing distance rules and the police figures “might reflect’’ most drivers are obeying them.
“I’m a bit surprised at the survey numbers for the 1.5 metre rule and it would be interesting to know if there are particular locations where levels of compliance are low,’’ he said.
Other survey findings showed:
25 per cent of respondents said they were riding more due to the new minimum passing laws
68 per cent are taking the opportunity to now ride on footpaths
41 power cent said they were riding more because of the added safety provided by cycling on the footpath
Regular rider Mieka Webb said she has noticed an improvement in driver behaviour when passing her on both suburban streets and in the countryside.
“When I’m riding in the Adelaide Hills I definitely notice the majority of drivers are giving me more room when passing,’’ the 27-year-old engineer said.
