New cycling laws come into play today including increased fines

CYCLISTS may have won an extra year before they legally have to start showing ID, but new fines introduced today by the State Government have left cycling enthusiasts outraged.

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CYCLISTS may have won an extra year before they legally have to start showing ID, but new fines introduced today by the State Government have left cycling enthusiasts outraged.

The CEO of Bicycle NSW Ray Rice said the new fines would have a profound effect on an cycling-keen area like Sydney’s inner west.

A bike rider without a helmet riding amongst traffic on Alison Rd at Randwick. Picture: John Grainger

“The inner west is made for cycling and we shouldn’t be detracting from this,” he said.

“It’s an area where you’re just 10km from the city, and we should be encouraged to leave the cars at home, but these new laws aren’t going to do that.

Mr Rice said that he thought the new fines were heavy-handed.

“We’ll be fined the same as car drivers, but how is this equal?

“This isn’t evidence-based at all, the fines should be in proportion to the consequences.

“A motor vehicle causes far more damage to other people and property than a bicycle.”

A bike rider negotiates heave traffic in Randwick. Motorists must give bike riders a 1m plus berth under new laws. Picture: John Grainger

Fines for an offence like riding a bike without an approved helmet will rise from $71 to $319, and riding through a red light will go up to $425 (from $71).

Not stopping at children or pedestrian crossings will go up by the same amount, while fines for most other bicycle rider offences (including cycling without a bell) are increasing from $71 to $106.

But Roads Minister Duncan Gay said he thought the new laws weren’t too harsh.

A bike rider without a helmet riding along a footpath today. Picture: John Grainger

Mr Gay said he was not targeting cyclists, he was targeting “risky behaviour”.

“With cycling injuries ­remaining high in NSW, I had no choice but to look at tougher deterrents and ­increased enforcement to improve safety for cyclists and other road users like pedestrians,” he said. “Being a responsible road user is not negotiable.”

Mr Rice said that he was relieved that the proposed ID laws were being stalled until March 2017.

He said his organisation encouraged bicyclists to carry some form of identification but that forcing riders to carry a licence sent out the wrong message.

Ray Rice said cyclists generally did the right thing but were being treated as different.

“It will send a message that cyclists are somehow different and not law-abiding,” he said.

“If we are going to share the roads it should be more inclusive.”

“What we want to see is some sort of evidence-based strategies and education.

“We should be promoting safety and mutual respect on our roads, in addition to safe infrastructure for riders.”

Mr Rice was however pleased with a new law new rule requiring drivers to leave either 1m or 1.5m (dependent on speed limit of road) when passing cyclists, and carrying a $319 fine and two demerit points for drivers.

“The passing distance law is fantastic,” he said.

“There have been a few times people have asked about the passing distance rule though, and questioned how drivers can know when they are 1m or 1.5m away.

Dave Musgrove with son Bob, 13 months, and Jim Buda from the Manly Warringah Cycle Club say they think strict helmet laws will stop people cycling and force them into their cars instead. Picture: Troy Snook

“I just say to this, imagine the person on the bike is your niece, or so, or loved one, and then you’ll quickly work out how far you need to be away to avoid a dangerous situation.

“If we all thought more about this when sharing the roads, all road-users would be a lot happier.”

Mr Rice said that what the new laws contravene the NSW Government’s own target to double the number of people riding bicycles through improving infrastructure and encouraging broader community participation.

Fines have increased for cyclists for all offences.

“The Government should be doing all it can to maximise healthy activities, minimise congestion and danger,” he said.

Opposition spokeswoman for Roads, Maritime and Freight, and Strathfield Labor MP, Jodi McKay said evidence is lacking in the introduction of the new laws, and of the proposed ID laws for March 1, 2017.

“NSW Labor believes that cycling is good not just for cyclists but for the environment, public health, and for dealing with congestion in our cities,” she said.

“That’s why we have always taken a positive approach to encourage cycling in our state.

“In summary, we believe Go Together targets cyclists with little concern for justifying evidence

“Labor remains very concerned about the Government’s plans to force cyclists to carry photo identification.

“The Minister has so far refused to release any evidence which suggests this will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and road users.

“Under the Government’s reforms, certain fines will increase from $71 to $425.

“This is nearly a 500 per cent increase, and surely an indication that these reforms are a lot more about revenue raising than keeping cyclists safe.

“Ensuring a safe environment for cyclists and motorists is all about shared responsibility. “Unfortunately, this Government just seems hell bent on taking the stick approach to cyclists rather than recognising the importance of active transport.”