Gosnells MLA backs calls for one-metre cycling law

GOSNELLS MLA Chris Tallentire says he supports WestCycle’s Code of Conduct and believes safe passing distances should become law.

The code of conduct, which WestCycle hope to release in the next two months, aims to ease tension on the road by providing a guide for cyclists to follow whether riding alone or in a group,

Mr Tallentire said he was pleased WestCycle were leading its development and people on bikes are a motorist’s best friend.

“Some aspects of the code like safe passing distances should be law,” he said.

“Just think what it’s like waiting to get through a long line of traffic at a busy set of traffic lights. Wouldn’t it be better if there were fewer cars?” he said,

“Well, that’s what you get when cycling is safer and more attractive – and Perth’s a great city to cycle in – mostly flat, mostly dry and sunny.”

South Metropolitan MLC Lynn MacLaren is another pushing for the one-metre rule to become a law.

She said since first introducing the amendment bill in 2014, five other states either had put legislation in place or were carrying out trials and that it was time for WA to do the same.

“While it’s unfortunate that some drivers still don’t demonstrate sufficient regard for other road users, an unambiguous one metre rule in tandem with a widespread community education campaign such as Queensland implemented, will contribute towards creating a cultural shift in driver behaviour that will result in safer roads for everyone,” she said.

“Raising awareness of the rules for people who are riding a bicycle and people who are driving a motor vehicle will help to make our roads safer for everyone.”

WestCycle chief executive Matt Fulton said if cyclist uphold the highest of standards at all times it would lead to better relationships between motorists, pedestrians and bike riders.

“In a way this is riders extending an olive branch to other path and road users but we all need to address our behaviours to make it safer,” he said.

“Cycling has grown at such a rapid rate that we just can’t keep up with infrastructure requirements.

“To make riding safer we need a number of measures, which the code of conduct is one, because we all want a dramatic reduction in the number of lives lost and people seriously injured.”

Mr Fulton said the code would also give information to drivers to help them drive safely around cyclist, explaining situations such as why cyclists ride two abreast, why they ride a metre out from the gutter and why they stay in the middle of a lane when going into a roundabout.

Visit WestCycle for more information.