Cycle safety trial endorsed

A proposed new law that could lead to drivers being fined for not giving cyclists up to 1.5 metres of space while overtaking is being backed by a number of Bay of Plenty cycling organisations.

Earlier this month the Cycling Safety Panel submitted its final report to government containing 35 recommendations on improving cycle safety across the country.


Cycle BOP members on the open road. Photo: Supplied.

Of these, the panel recommend the minimum overtaking distances be trialled and labelled it high priority.

It has been suggested that minimum overtaking distances be set at 1m on roads where the speed limit is 60kmh and under, and 1.5m where the limit is higher.

A similar system has been trialled since April in Queensland, where drivers are penalised three demerit points and fined A$341 (NZ$361) for breaking the law. A maximum fine of A$4554 can apply if the matter goes to court.

Other road rules were also changed in Queensland to allow motorists to cross centre lines, straddle lanes or drive on painted traffic islands to make it easier for them to pass cyclists.

A Cycle BOP spokesperson says the group welcomes any moves to improve cycle safety on the open road, labelling the current situation 'very poor”.

'Okay, there are more cycle ways marked but a lot of them will just run out especially on bridges, which I consider quiet dangerous,” they said.

'Especially the causeways at Chapel Street, Turret Road, and the main highway to Welcome Bay and Matapihi. There is no cycle area or shoulder at all.”

Despite the club welcoming the proposed trial there remains a level of uncertainly as to how the law change would be patrolled.

'We ride out in the country on rural roads, we probably don't see any traffic patrol cars,” they added. 'I'm not quite sure how they are going to check whether it is working or not.”

Tauranga Road Cycling Club president Grey Taylor says the proposed legislation is positive, but a shared vision between both cyclists and motorist is more important.

He adds cyclists must take just as much care and responsibility as motorists while on the road despite the odd incident.

'As long as you stay to the left and don't ride in big bunches and so forth, normally things aren't too bad,” says Grey.

'You are always going to get a few aggressive drivers regardless. I think it comes with the territory.”

The report released by the panel said cyclists were reliant on balance, and could wobble and fall if their space was impinged on.

Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss welcomes the final report and results from the Queensland passing-distance trial will inform the government's decision about whether to introduce a trial here.

The cycling panel was formed earlier this year after a nationwide coronial inquiry into 13 cyclist deaths in 2012.

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21 comments

So...

Posted on 18-12-2014 07:55 | By Ducky01

What about the inconsiderate cyclists that cycle inside the car lane? Are we supposed to move over 1.5m, cross the centre line and possibly have a near miss or a head on, just to avoid a fine for not giving a cyclist 1.5m of room? I think the cyclists need to be addressed about road safety, not other motorists. Cyclists certainly don't do 100km like cars etc do, which is what the road is for, if they want to use the road they should be educated about road safety etc. I love the quote "You own a car not the road - well you own a bicycle not a mack truck!!"


Stupid Idea

Posted on 18-12-2014 08:10 | By Uncle G

I don't think there are many drivers that can determine a 1.5m distance from a cyclist while traveling at 100km/h. And also what about the older drivers, they work in feet and inches and this would confuse them!


Dual responsibility

Posted on 18-12-2014 08:11 | By mutley

I am fully prepared to give cyclists at least 1.5m clearance, as I do now, PROVIDED that they take all practicable steps to minimise their effect on other traffic flows. There needs to be penalties for cyclists behaving badly too.


On your bike...

Posted on 18-12-2014 08:14 | By philiphallen

Even with the current lack of driving skills in NZ, drivers will now have to learn how to use a tape measure every time they need to pass a pushbike on the road. Not forgetting the cost of training all the police officers to use one as well. Common sense isn't common any more!!!!


N.B

Posted on 18-12-2014 08:33 | By Capt_Kaveman

"As long as you stay to the left and don't ride in big bunches and so forth, normally things aren't too bad" Also fine cyclists failing to keep left


Not the Way this lot show

Posted on 18-12-2014 09:16 | By tabatha

If we as drivers are expected give this lot a wide berth as suggested I say no. They are failing to keep to the left, if a car driver was this far out they could receive a ticket. I agree if they keep as far to the left as possible, (those seeping roads will need to keep stone etc. off the area) not putting cars in a situation where a head on collision could occur. If a large group cycling like this they should be split into smaller groups or have some warning car back from them. Some sensible thinking and courtesy by both sides needed. Think of a truck fully laden come on a group like in this photo on narrowish road. Chaos.


Hmmmmn

Posted on 18-12-2014 09:58 | By Surfwatch

No one wants to kill a cyclist, no matter how silly some ride (two abreast. But I can see this rule being an ass. How many times would police be right behind or close to a car passing a cyclist, and how difficult would it be to prove the exact distance, unless the car hits the cyclist of course.I cant see many car drivers changing the way they drive. Those that care already give plenty of room to cyclists, those that don't care wont care enough to change. Any way whats the hassle in giving cyclists plenty of room, after all its not a game of one upmanship, to see who hogs the road most.


Use it or lose it.

Posted on 18-12-2014 10:00 | By Accountable

Cycle BOP members must use the cycle lanes when provided. For example the Tauranga harbour bridge cycleway.Defensive riding should be compulsory for all riders particularly club riders such as yourselves.Cars are not allowed to race on the roads and cyclist should also be regulated against such dangerous behaviour.


good picture....

Posted on 18-12-2014 10:11 | By Jimmy Ehu

explains the issue really, the cyclists can bitch and moan as much as they like but then have no consideration as depicted in the photo..... and this is an organised club ride, go figure.


Cyclist need to get real

Posted on 18-12-2014 10:28 | By mattanddel

They can have rights on the road when they pay to use it.


Apparently? Cyclist need to get real

Posted on 18-12-2014 12:11 | By NR

So the comment has been made… "They can have rights on the road when they pay to use it."… A road cyclist, is so, by choice, not necessity. 99% of road cyclists will own & operate vehicles on the road. They DO pay to use the road. And by that, pay MORE than their fair share. There's also comments on common-sense.... where's the common-sense in the comments on this article???


Pointless

Posted on 18-12-2014 12:15 | By JayR

As a cyclist, I can see straight through this. This is just an excuse to produce more revenue and will do absolutely nothing to make cyclists safer.


Cyclists and gopro cameras

Posted on 18-12-2014 13:34 | By Murray.Guy

I can see it now, body suits Gofast energy drink and a GoPro video camera to gather evidence!


The laws going to be an Ass

Posted on 18-12-2014 13:51 | By M@M

How on earth is this law to be Policed? Watch cyclists wobble as the push each pedal down going uphill! What is a driver of a car to do, wobble in unison with the cyclist? How do you prove how far off a cyclist you were. It will be a case of he said she said. This proposed law is totally unworkable. Its already a nightmare when faced with the rear end of a cyclist who is unaware of you coming up behind ( have you seen a cyclist with wing mirrors?). Which way are they going to move ? Why have they got to ride on the right side of the road marking instead of the middle of the median strip.? I would not dream of cycling on New Zealand roads. Its just too bloody dangerous. Its a ridiculous load for vehicle drivers to carry.


Great Picture

Posted on 19-12-2014 08:52 | By The Caveman

Single file yes Middle of the road NO NO NO -- What happened to the keep as far left as possible ????


.

Posted on 19-12-2014 11:08 | By maccachic

I think all drivers should have to bike busy roads as part of their driving tests. Might make the idiots with their stupid arrogant comments see sense


Well Jimmy Ehu

Posted on 19-12-2014 11:17 | By earlybird

If you study the picture in question and give it some deep thought, you might just come to the conclusion that the cyclists have moved out into the carriageway because there is a dude with a camera on the side of the road taking a picture - duh.


Caveman

Posted on 19-12-2014 15:01 | By earlybird

you need to think before you post to - the dude with the camera is probably standing behind his parked car to take the photo which is why the bikes have to move out in the carriageway to pass him - duh. Don't you guys think about what you're looking at before you comment.


earlybird

Posted on 20-12-2014 11:21 | By tabatha

You could be right, you could be wrong, but that happens. Also the way they are riding is the same. Last Friday nearly took a woman out riding her bike on the path in Elizabeth, on the footpath, like a bat out of hell, sorry Meatloaf, and not caring about anything. The only good thing was she was wearing a helmet. This type of cyclist is the on giving them a bad name. either road or footpath. i believe by law road is where they are meant to be.


easy solution

Posted on 09-01-2015 08:36 | By ow

only allow and encourage cyclists in 50km/hr areas. Ban them from higher speed areas as this is where there is the most risk. Also I note that the cyclists wearing yellow or orange hi vis are the most sensible and the cyclists wearing the labelled lycra outfits are the worst. Why is this ??


Road Design

Posted on 14-01-2015 14:43 | By Frostbite

A lot of work has been done to try and make cycling safer. Marked cycle ways, Hi vis gear lights etc. A lack of patients on the part of motorist seem to be a big issue. I ride Cameron Road most mornings. Here are the common things that happen to me traveling north or south. Cars turning left over top of me. (go read the road code about one this ) Cars pushing you out of the way on roundabouts leaning you into the kerb . A bicycle on a roundabout bike has the right to enter and exit the round about the same as a car in the center of the marked lane,car drivers are to hold back and wait not push or try to overtake.A little respect goes a long way as a death of a cyclist is forever( Husband,Farther, Brother, Friend)


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