RACV calls for 1m gap for motorists passing cyclists

The rising toll of rider deaths has prompted concerns from the RACV, who are calling for a major shake up of how cyclists and motorists share the road. Here’s what they want changed.

RACV has called for a trial of minimum passing distances for motorists overtaking cyclists. Picture: Tim Carrafa

The RACV is calling for a trial of minimum passing distances for motorists overtaking cyclists to arrest the rising toll of rider deaths and serious injuries.

Drivers should leave at least 1m under 60kmh and 1.5m when travelling faster than that, the motoring body says.

Victoria should follow other states and introduced a two-year trial based on lessons learnt around Australia.

“We all need to share the road safely, RACV senior manager Peter Kartsidimas said.

The Victorian government has previously put the brakes on any legislation, ­instead pushing for an education program.

The RACV says there needs to be a trial of minimum passing distances for motorists overtaking cyclists. Picture: Tim Carrafa

But the RACV, which backed an educational approach before, now says it’s time for enforcement.

“Every other Australian state and territory has passed legislation for a minimum passing distance rule.” he said.

A total of 47 cyclists have died on Victorian roads between 2014 and last year. Another 2500 riders suffered injuries that needed hospital treatment.

“TAC figures show that cyclist death and injury are only increasing,’’ Mr Kartsidimas said.

“The government needs to do more and that’s why we are calling for a trial of a minimum passing distance rule for motorists when overtaking cyclists.”

The RACV’s call echoes campaigns by cycling groups, such as the Amy Gillett Foundation and Bicycle Network, which want to improve rider safety.

The RACV also called for the results of the 2017 Share the Road education and awareness campaign to be released to the public so to assess whether the campaign was successful or not in changing driver behaviour.

The RACV says minimum passing distances would improve cyclist safety.

A New South Wales report from its rule for drivers passing cyclists showed that: cyclist safety was improved; driver response was mixed but generally positive; support existed to retain the rule; and there was no clear evidence of any negative unintended outcomes of the trial.

MORE NEWS:

FRESH HOPE IN HUNT FOR KILLER ARSONIST

CAN COLLINGWOOD CALL ITSELF THE BIGGEST CLUB

FIRE DANGER TO RETURN AFTER RAIN REPRIEVE

City of Melbourne data shows that 16 per cent of all vehicle movements are by bicycle and 21,000 people ride in a typical week in central Melbourne.

A recent Bicycle Network survey of more than 1000 cyclists found that 80 per cent said interactions with cars was a major concern.

Network chief executive Craig Richards said enforcement was also vital.

“We need a special police bicycle unit to detect and stop drivers who pass to closely,” Mr Richards said.

[e-mail]

@IanRoyall