New laws to give cyclists more room on the road now in force

The new rule, which came into effect on Monday, makes it mandatory for motorists to give riders at least one metre clearance when overtaking on roads up to 60km/h, and 1.5m on roads with higher speed limits.

Under the new law, motorists can briefly cross painted lines to give bike riders the space they need - including solid lines, double lines, painted tram-lane lines and painted islands - but only when they have a clear view ahead and it's safe to do so.

The law carries maximum court penalties of up to $1652, on-the-spot fines of $330 and two demerit points.

Warrnambool Cycling Reference Group chair Richard Adams said there were already existing laws in place to protect cyclists but the new legislation allowed for "some flexibility".

"The main change I see is that they've updated existing laws to include what is a minimum safe distance," he said.

"There's also now the ability for motorists to cross over solid white lines which is a good change."

Mr Adams said it was "very disconcerting" to be passed by a vehicle travelling at speed and within close proximity.

"It really hits you and it doesn't matter how experienced you are as a cyclist," he said.

"But if people slow down and give you a bit of space, it does take away that fear element."

Mr Adams said "any law aimed at making roads safe was good for society".

But he said he hoped it would not create hostility towards cyclists.

"There is a lot animosity towards cyclists and I'm cautious of anything that intensifies that," he said.

"I am also a driver on the road and I'm conscious that drivers have rights as well. It's about trying to create a culture where both cyclists and drivers respect one another."

The new law comes after campaigning by RACV, cycling safety charity the Amy Gillett Foundation and other cycling safety bodies to bring Victoria in to line with all other states.

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Transport Accident Commission (TAC) figures show 52 cyclists were killed on Victorian roads between 2016 and 2020, of which 24 involved vehicles travelling parallel to their bike.

In early 2019, The Standard reported there had been been eight serious accidents in the south-west involving cyclists, including the deaths of three riders.

Warrnambool highway patrol then reported an increase of almost 10 per cent in serious accidents involving cyclists in the Warrnambool police service area the following year.

A cyclist was seriously injured in June last year when a Holden Rodeo knocked him off his bike and onto Kirkstall-Koroit Road, breaking his collarbone, femur and shoulder blade.

The victim was transported to hospital where he was treated for a broken shoulder blade, femur and collar bone, as well as severe bruising to his upper arm.

His injuries required surgery and he remained in hospital for 12 days.

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