VIC Premier
The Andrews Labor Government is launching an Australian-first trial using smart bike light technology that will assist in finding new ways to reduce road trauma in cyclists.
Cyclists are among our most vulnerable road users because they don’t have the same protection as people in vehicles and are exposed to greater risk of death or injury when the unexpected happens.
The 12-month trial will see a diverse group of 1000 Victorians given access to a See.Sense smart bike light, with the technology capturing crucial road safety insights, as well as providing safety benefits in the form of increased visibility.
To protect cyclists on the roads, state governments in Australia have introduced laws that set a minimum space drivers must give cyclists when overtaking them. These laws are now in place nationwide, with Victoria the final state to join the ranks last month. But do these passing distance laws actually change drivers’ behaviour towards cyclists?
Our research set out to answer this question by evaluating Western Australia’s passing distance law introduced in 2017. We found that since the law took effect drivers do indeed report giving cyclists more space when overtaking. However, there were possible unintended consequences. Drivers also self-reported more aggressive behaviour directed at cyclists, such as beeping horns or swearing.
New rules will come into effect in Victoria next week requiring motorists to give cyclists a wide berth when passing them on roads.
From Monday, motorists must give riders at least one-metre clearance when overtaking on roads up to 60km/h, and 1.5 metres on roads with speed limits above 60km/h.
Victoria had previously been the only state without minimum passing distance laws.
Motorists in Victoria will need to give cyclists a wide berth when passing them on roads from Monday (pictured: cyclists in Melbourne)
Roads Minister Ben Carroll said 13 cyclists lost their lives on Victoria s roads in 2020, an increase on the five-year average of 10 deaths.
Bicycle Network
A coalition of 13 walking, bike riding, transport, health and research groups are urging the Victorian Government to make it easier for people to walk and ride as more Victorians return to working onsite.
The coalition has released the Streets are for everyone consensus statement, which outlines three clear and practical steps needed to create vibrant, active and connected communities in a COVID-normal Victoria.
The statement found by walking or bike riding instead of driving by car an average Melbournian family could save up to $80 per day.
Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) Senior Manager Transport, Planning and Infrastructure, Peter Kartsidimas said that last year highlighted the different mobility options available for Victorians.