Three drivers fined over SA’s one-metre cyclist overtaking rule in six weeks

POLICE have fined only three motorists in six weeks under controversial new one-metre laws for passing cyclists, but there have been 35 complaints — mostly riders against drivers — to the Traffic Watch hotline.

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POLICE have fined only three motorists in six weeks under controversial new minimum-distance laws for passing cyclists, but there have been 35 complaints — mostly riders against drivers — to the Traffic Watch hotline.

The figures come amid growing fears from recreational cycling group Bike SA that motorists will fall back into bad habits and not observe the new 1m passing laws.

A survey shows, however, that female cyclists in particular are using another new rule to increase their safety by getting off the road and taking to the footpath.

The survey of almost 1000 cyclists by Bike SA shows most think motorists are obeying the new laws, but that drivers of buses, trucks and vans are the least compliant.

Fines of $374 are now being issued after police ended a three-month “education’’ period and switched to full enforcement from January 25.

Cyclist Gaby Gervasi says she feels much safer riding on the footpath. Pic: Tricia Watkinson

Two of the fines issued so far were for drivers passing cyclists within one metre on 60km/h roads and another was for overtaking within 1.5m on a road with a limit above 60km/h, police said.

Bike SA chief executive Christian Haag said the low number of fines issued so far was “a positive sign that motorists have responded well to the new road rules’’.

“We would, of course, encourage SAPOL to continue to be vigilant in their enforcement to ensure this positive response continues,’’ he said.

However, Mr Haag said he was “concerned that old and unsafe driving behaviours will slowly return,’’ as was the experience in Queensland when it introduced similar laws two years ago.

This fear was also based on comments made by riders in the survey released on Tuesday.

Road Safety Minister Peter Malinauskas has pleaded with motorists to obey the rules.

“As many cyclist fatalities on the road are caused by cyclists being hit from behind by a motor vehicle travelling in the same direction, the new laws were aimed at reducing these types of fatalities and improving safety for these vulnerable road users,’’ he said.

The survey also found 70 per cent of female respondents had taken the opportunity to ride on a footpath since the laws were changed to allow this in October last year.

Mr Haag said there was “a view that this provided improved safety in high risk areas — where bike lanes disappear at intersections and no bike lanes are available.

Gabi Gervasi said she often used the footpath for safety.

“I tend to ride on the footpath on busy roads because it makes me feel safer. I like the option and it encourages me to ride more often,’’ the 30-year-old from Torrensville said.