WATCH: Cyclists near miss with ‘reckless’ driver

A Tasmanian man has copped a massive fine after a terrifying near miss with a group of cyclists that police have labelled as “reckless”. WATCH THE VIDEO >>

A 40-year-old man from Launceston has copped a $2000 fine and been disqualified from driving for two months after a terrifying encounter with a group of cyclists at Longford last year.

In a video obtained by authorities from the cyclists the driver is seen overtaking the group at a speed of about 80 to 90km/h, failing to pass them at a minimum distance of 1.5 metres while beeping his horn.

The group of cyclists – two adults and a 16-year-old – were riding at Longford along Pateena Road, commonly known as the ‘Flying Mile’, when the driver is estimated to have overtook the group at only a distance of about 30-40cm to the right.

Still from a video of the driver overtaking a group of cyclists. Picture: Tasmania Police.

Tasmania Police said at the time traffic was light and there was sufficient space on the road to pass the group safely.

Although no injuries were caused the driver of the ute was sentenced at the Launceston Magistrates Court on Monday and pleaded guilty to reckless driving and failing to maintain a safe distance when passing a bicycle rider.

Tasmania Police said the incident comes as a reminder for drivers to obey traffic rules when sharing the road with cyclists.

In 2018, three Hobart cyclists were lucky to escape serious injury after two were struck by a campervan just outside Richmond.

Important rules:

• Passing distance of at least 1 metre, if the speed limit is below 60 km/h;
• Passing distance of at least 1.5 metres, if the speed limit is above 60 km/h;
• Drivers of vehicles can also cross over solid white dividing lines if the driver has a clear view of approaching traffic, it is necessary and reasonable, and the driver can do it safely.