Cyclist 'praised' for 'genius' pool noodle bike hack
A Brisbane cyclist has been praised for a clever tactic to ensure cars keep a safe distance while he rides on the road.
A photo uploaded to Facebook by Alfred Botha shows the cyclist sitting at red traffic lights with a yellow pool noodle extending out the right side of the bike, seemingly to demonstrate to cars the distance they should be keeping from the rider.
“Got to hand it to the folks in Bardon. They do know their rights,” Mr Botha said along with the snap of the cyclist.
One woman commented saying she would now visualise a pool noodle when passing a cyclist.
“Amazing,” another said.
“That’s a good idea, it will stop him going between cars when they’re stopped at the lights,” one joked.
Another commented that the cyclist’s “diligence for safety is a must”.
Mr Botha told News Corp the cyclist was “getting a bit of flack” from motorists on the road, but he didn’t seem phased.
“He was determined to do what he wanted to do,” he said.
Queensland law states drivers must keep a minimum distance of one metre when passing cyclists in a speed zone of 60km/h or less.
If a car is passing a cyclist in a speed zone of above 60km/h, a gap of at least 1.5 metres must be left.
Drivers who break this rule will be slapped with three demerit points and a $341 fine.
If the matter goes to court, drivers can cop a maximum fine of $4554.
However a Queensland Police spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia they do not condone the behaviour of the cyclist.
“The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is committed to providing a safe environment for all road users and employs a variety of proactive and reactive strategies to engage motorists, cyclists and pedestrians,” they said.
“Attaching makeshift accoutrements not designed for use with a bicycle is discouraged by police, as it could obstruct, distract or prevent another driver, rider or pedestrian from safely passing the cyclist.
“Any unsecured or makeshift accoutrement has the potential to cause a traffic crash if the item were to come loose on a roadway or cycling path.”
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