Bundaberg motorists are being reminded to observe a safe passing distance when overtaking cyclists.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said under the laws, introduced by the former LNP Government, motorists needed to give a minimum of one metre when passing cyclists, and a minimum of a metre-and-a-half where the speed limit is over 60kph.
Mr Bennett’s reminder was issued following news that the LNP’s life-saving minimum passing distance laws for cyclists would be retained by the state government.
Mr Bennett said the ground breaking laws, which were the first in Australia, had been emulated in other states around the country and had been a success for Queensland cyclists.
“In 2013, before we introduced these laws, there were thirteen cyclist fatalities that year,” Mr Bennett said.
“The need was clear that something was needed to stop these tragic deaths because the reality is, one death on our roads is one too many.
“I was proud to be part of a team that lead Australia in introducing laws that would save cyclist lives.”
Mr Bennett said it was extremely encouraging, and a testament to the new goodwill fostered between cyclists and motorists, that in the two years since the introduction of the laws, there had been a drop in cyclist fatalities.
In 2014 there were nine cycling fatalities and in 2015, despite the overall road toll going up, there was another drop in cyclist deaths down to four.
“New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT have all adopted our laws, and that’s good news for cyclists,” he said.
Mr Bennett said it was important that the laws were supported by an effective and informative advertising campaign directed at both motorists and cyclists.
“Six cycling fatalities so far this year is an horrific start to 2016 and I would encourage the government to commit to ensuring we have an adequate cycling road safety campaign,” he said.
“These laws have support from cycling groups as well as motoring groups like the RACQ who all agree that they are playing a critical role in driving a cultural change in attitude towards cyclists on our roads but we can’t be complacent.”
Thursday, 7 April 2016