NSW cyclist groups push for ban, extra restrictions on super-sized pick-up trucks over safety fears

Cycling groups are calling for a ban on super-sized pick-up trucks on Sydney’s congested road network in response to a string of close calls between the “tank-like” vehicles and bikes. Have your say in our poll.

Cycling groups are calling for a blanket ban on super-sized pick-up trucks on congested Sydney roads in response to a string of close calls between the “tank-like” vehicles and bikes.

A rapid rise in the number of American style vehicles taking up precious space on the city’s road network is fuelling calls for extra restrictions on super-sized vehicles in a move to improve safety for cyclists and other road users.

Latest figures show there has been a rapid rise in the number of Australians splashing out on extra large vehicles models.

One of the most popular is the RAM with national sales topping more than 5100 in the first half of this year – up 62 per cent on the previous year.

Peter McLean, chief executive officer of Bicycle NSW, said the “behemoths” can pose serious dangers on narrow city roads, particularly as they overtake cyclists.

A photo by Bicycle NSW highlighting the size of a RAM when parked.

Sales of RAM vehicles have soared in Australia.

Bicycle NSW is now leading calls for the vehicles to be banned on urban roads or subject to extra restrictions such as increased registration fees to stop them muscling in on road space.

“They’re large very vehicles and in our congested narrow streets they take up an extra large amount of space and its become issue of equity on our roads,” he said,

Vehicles such as RAMs are becoming more popular in Australia.

“Some of these vehicles have additional blind spots in them, less visibility over their massive bonnets and I don’t think they’re practical to have in our heavily urbanised environment.

“Yes, they pay a small amount of extra rego but there should be further restrictions.

“They’re basically 4-5 tonne small trucks, double the size of small cars and it’s probably only a matter of time before there’s a serious incident.”

Some models of RAMs can measure up to 2.4m wide – making them up 40cm wider than a Toyota HiLux, however sitting within the Australian standard road width of 3 to 3.5m.

Under NSW road laws, drivers passing a cyclist in the same direction are required to leave a minimum gap of 1m when the speed limit is 60km/h or less. That distance bumps up to 1.5m when it is higher than 60km/h.

Carolyn New, a member of Bike North in Sydney, believes there was a “conversation to be had” about banning larger models of SUVs on roads.

Bike North member Carolyn New.

“It’s not just an issue for bike riders, it’s also about pedestrians and other motorists on the road,” she said.

“As each model comes out, they keep getting bigger and bigger and some drivers I think feel they need to have the biggest car possible.

“In ideal world they should be banned, particularly in dense urban environments like in Sydney.”

Concerns by cyclists have been fuelled by a string of crashes between bikes and large SUVs including a fatality in Kurri Kurri earlier this year.

Latest figures from Transport for NSW show there were 718 crashes involving cyclists and cars in 2021.

While it’s clear the super-sized trucks are loathed by many, they’re loved in equal measure by many others.

Trucks’N’Toys sales manager Shane Masters said the soaring popularity of vehicles such as RAMs had been driven by tradies seeking increased towing capacity along with mums and dads wanting extra leg space.

Increased towing capacity is one of the main selling points.

“We’re also seeing a lot of people who have bought big caravans and find they’re too heavy to tow in the car they have so they need a vehicle that has that capacity to tow 4 to 5 tonnes,” he said.

“We also get a lot of families upgrading for that extra room – in a RAM you can comfortably seat 3-4 full sized adults. Instead of having three kids crammed in the back like sardines, it makes it a lot easier to get around and you still have space to throw your motorbike in the back.”

Mr Masters said most of the demand has come from motorists in regional NSW as well as part of Sydney’s southwest and in the Macarthur region.

The Federal Department of Infrastructure – which sets national vehicle restrictions – said current vehicle standards ensure all vehicles meet important safety and environmental emissions standards before they enter the Australian market.

“This legislation ensures road vehicles sourced directly from international markets, such as the RAM and Silverado vehicles, are safe for local driving conditions before they are presented for registration,” a spokeswoman said.

“These larger vehicles are not exempt from any applicable rod vehicle standards which include dimensional requirements, mirrors, advanced braking systems, emissions limits and more.

“We continually review, consult on and update Australia’s legislated road vehicle standards to ensure road vehicles in the Australian market are safe, secure and sustainable.”

RAM Australia was contacted for comment about the proposed ban but declined to comment.