By JONATHON HOWARD
IT’S a metre that means the world to Noosa cyclists and they’re hoping drivers take it seriously.
Noosaville cyclist David Brown said the Noosa Shire had looked after the welfare of cyclists and he suggested the Noosa Council take a lead role.
“With the recent state legislation regarding buffer gaps that motorists are mandated to leave between their vehicle and cyclists, the council could be pro-active and erect signs in appropriate locations notifying drivers of their obligations,” he said.
“We have many interstate visitors who would not be aware of this new law. Combine that with the obvious popularity of cycling in our beautiful area, it makes a lot of sense.
“A sign as simple as – “Leave a 1m gap”, with an appropriate graphic would be all that is required.
“Make Noosa a leader in this new campaign to make cycling safer.”
Meanwhile, QLD Police said motorists caught driving within one metre of cyclists would be fined $330 and lose three demerit points under a two-year trial that started in March.
The one-metre clearance is required when passing in 40km/h, 50km/h and 60km/h zones.
Where the speed limit is higher than 60km/h, motorists will be required to give cyclists 1.5 metre clearance when passing.
Motorists will be able to cross double white lines, when it is safe to do so, in order to pass a cyclist.
Transport Minister Scott Emerson committed to the one-metre clearance trial in January, but did not announce the penalty that would be imposed on motorists until recently.
The penalty is the same for drivers caught running a red light, or failing to stop at a stop sign.
However, it is much less than the $4400 fine proposed by a parliamentary committee which examined cycling laws last year.
Mr Emerson said he had chosen “a very sensible approach” by setting a two-year trial for the safe passing law, so the government could review it and see if it created the change it wanted.
“What I am trying to achieve with these rule changes is an attitudinal change,” he said.
“I think most motorists and cyclists do the right things but unfortunately some cyclists and motorists do the wrong thing and they don’t want to do share the road.
“Unfortunately, over last year, we saw 13 cyclists killed and that number has been increasing year after year.”
