Posted by Sara Carrigan – Columnist for Multisport Magazine
Cycling safety starts with us and each individual has a duty to obey the law no matter what bike we ride and what machine we drive. Whether you in fact agree with the laws is a discussion for another time but “No man is above the law and no man is below it: nor do we ask any man’s permission when we ask him to obey it.” (Theodore Roosevelt)
There have been some recent rule changes in QLD that affects motorists and cyclists on the roads. Many rules are similar across Australia but differences do exist between states and it is important to be informed and be aware.
As of 7th April 2014, new cycling rules for QLD roads came into effect and are designed to protect all users and recognise the vulnerability of cyclists on our roads. These new laws include:
- Minimum passing distance for motorists.
By law motorists must give:
- a minimum of 1 metre when passing cyclists in a 60km/h or less speed zone ($330, 3pts)
- at least 1.5 metres where the speed limit is over 60km/h ($330, 3pts)
- Equal fines for both cyclists and motorists
The Penalties common to cyclists and motorists include:
- failing to stop at a red traffic light ($330)
- disobeying a ‘no U turn’ sign at an intersection ($88)
- failing to stop at a ‘stop’ sign at an intersection ($330)
- exceeding the speed limit in a speed zone by less than 13km/h ($146).
Committing an offence as a cyclist, you receive a fine for the same amount as a motorist, but do not accumulate demerit points.
Penalties specific to cyclists include:
- carrying more passengers than a bicycle is designed for ($110)
- failing to give way to pedestrians on a footpath or shared path ($110)
- failing to display a light at night or in hazardous weather conditions ($110).
I have recently engaged in varying conversations with different people about the cycling rules specifically relating to lights and reflectors! Given that the mornings are darker, most riders have a front & rear light but are not aware they also need to have a rear red reflector! The QLD Road Rules state:
Section 259: Night time and unsafe weather bicycle equipment
If you ride at night or in weather conditions that make it difficult to see, you must display (either on the bicycle or on you):
- a white light (flashing or steady) that can be clearly seen at least 200m from front of the bicycle
- a red light (flashing or steady) that can be clearly seen at least 200m from the back of the bicycle
- a red reflector that can be clearly seen at least 50m from behind the bicycle—when a vehicle’s headlights shine on it.
My wish is simply for everyone to just be more patient overall and to show care & respect for each other no matter what mode of transport. We are all in such a rush these days and I will admit I am a culprit of this too. To receive care & respect we have to give it, and the simple act of following the rules can go a long way to achieving this.
Interestingly, in response to this approach, I have been confronted with some negativity summed up in a quote by Dennis Wholey, “Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you’re a good person is like expecting a bull not to attack you because you’re a vegetarian.” A counter argument could be that of Confucius, “Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?”
This article mentions only a few of the rules so visit the website of the QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads to be completely informed and share with all road users. Everyone has the right to ride in safety for work, sport and play.
- www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/nonpowered/bicycle/index.html
- www.qld.gov.au/transport/news/features/cycle-safe/index.html?utm_source=TMR405571&utm_medium=MREC&utm_campaign=Cycling
- www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/fines/demerit/cycling/
- factsheet and frequently asked questions
