Cyclist fines almost double in five years

Cycling fines have surged since new laws gave riders more freedoms, and two offences in particular have bewildered police.

The number of cyclists caught breaking road rules has soared by 86 per cent in the past five years.

The increase coincides with greater cycling freedoms, beginning in 2015 when adults were first permitted to ride on footpaths.

Records show that last financial year police issued 11,835 fines or cautions to cyclists – up from 6350 in 2014-15. The total value of fines also jumped – from $482,000 in 2014-15 to $874,960 last financial year.

The findings have prompted authorities to warn cyclists to do the right thing.

As more cyclists take to the streets during the warmer weather and school holidays, RAA spokesman Charles Mountain said a surge in bike sales during the COVID-19 lockdown would also contribute to an increase in fines.

“Cyclists are vulnerable road users so they should take every precaution to keep themselves safe from injury or worse,’’ he said.

“It’s crucially important to wear an appropriate safety helmet because its purpose is to reduce brain injury, which tragically can result from a collision.

“It’s also vitally important to be seen at night.”

Most fines in 2019-20 were for riding without a helmet (6669 offences) and riding a bike at night without a white front light, (2009) or a rear red light (1975).

“The majority of these fines are for cyclists not wearing helmets or for not having adequate lights on their bikes which are basic requirements that can actually save a life,’’ SAPOL’s Superintendent Bob Gray said.

Superintendent Bob Gray said he was surprised vulnerable road users like cyclists would risk foregoing key safety measures. Picture: Morgan Sette

“It beggars belief that so many cyclists do not see these two main safety issues as a critical part of riding a bike on our roadways.”

Supt Gray said as well as more checks there had also been a large increase in cycling because of the success of the Tour Down Under bike race.

The relaxation of laws in 2015 also allowed cyclists to ride rather than push their bikes across a marked foot crossing, a children’s school crossing or a pedestrian crossing.

Soon after, motorists were required to keep at least 1m from a cyclist when overtaking when the speed limit was 60km/h or under and 1.5m when the limit was above 60km/h.

Last year, bicycle helmet laws were tightened to ensure they were in “good repair and proper working order”.

But the figures also show that, as well and stricter enforcement of rules, police are using their power to caution and educate cyclists more than fine them.

In 2014-15, there were 3385 fines issued and 2965 cautions but in the 2019-20 financial year 5668 fines compared to 6167 cautions.

Bicycle SA chief executive Christian Haag said motorists had improved their caution around cyclists, but poor infrastructure continued to be a major problem, with Adelaide’s being the worst Australian capital city.

Police and the RAA have also criticised motorists who put cyclists’ lives in danger.

Mr Mountain said police figures showed 152 motorists were caught driving in a bike lane and another 33 failed to keep a safe distance when passing a cyclist last financial year.

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