The good news, NSW also gets the Minimum 1 metre safe passing distance for less than 60kmh and 1.5 metres for over 60 kmh traffic. This is a positive step forward and the Queensland trial shows that it is working, not for enforcement rather for road user education. The enforcement component is a backup law which can help bike riders hit by motorists though may also led to fines for infringing motorists if the cyclist is persistent and the police willing.
The bad news - depending how you see it, or the sneaky news is that fines against cyclists are being significantly increased. It can be argued that a cyclist should not break the law, a very real and valid argument and I personally, and on behalf of Bicycles Network Australia encourage cyclists to abide by the laws which includes wearing a helmet and stopping at red lights. To challenge this I suggest taking action to petition the government to change laws, rather than ignore the laws which is counterproductive.
For the rise in fees, the open question is whether it is appropriate. In context, I have checked the motor vehicle driver fine for passing through red lights which is $425, so means that a bike rider would face the same fine.
A plus point is an education campaign - it certainly depends how it is introduced so if it is anything like the failed stoner sloth campaign we are in for trouble.
source: http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-r ... ty-package" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Minister for Roads Duncan Gay today announced a new cycling package to improve safety for all road users in NSW, developed in consultation with key stakeholders and government bodies.
“Earlier this year I committed to and held a roundtable to discuss cycling issues,” Minister Gay said.
“I received recommendations on these issues – and the changes we’re making are about striking a balance for everyone on the roads and footpaths.
“Even with all of these changes in place, which reflect recent changes in other states, I maintain that all road users need to exercise respect when using the road – cyclists, motorists and pedestrians.”
Initiatives in the new package start in March next year and include:
Introducing a new rule requiring drivers to leave a minimum distance when passing bicycle riders – at least one metre when travelling up to 60km/h and at least 1.5 metres when travelling faster than 60km/h, which will attract a penalty of $319 and two demerit points.
Increasing penalties to help improve safety on our roads for bicycle riders who are:
Not a wearing helmet (from $71 to $319)
Running a red light (from $71 to $425)
Riding dangerously (from $71 to $425)
Holding onto a moving vehicle (from $71 to $319)
Not stopping at children’s/pedestrian crossing ($71 to $425).
Making it compulsory for adult riders to carry photo ID so that they can be identified in an emergency or if they break the road rules.
Introducing a new safety advisory recommendation for bicycle riders to provide a minimum distance of one metre when passing pedestrians on a shared path, where practical.
To educate road users about these changes, a new road safety campaign – ‘Go Together’ - has been developed.
The road safety initiatives promoted in ‘Go Together’ were developed in consultation with NSW Police, cycling groups, the Motor Accidents Insurance Regulator, NRMA Motoring and Services and the Pedestrian Council of Australia.
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