Death spurs safety laws push
The death of a 25-year-old cyclist as he rode to work last month has renewed calls for safe passing distance laws in WA.
Cycling advocates want the laws to require motorists to be at least 1m clear when overtaking a cyclist.
Kaleb Smith died after he was hit by a truck as he cycled to work along Toodyay Road in Gidgegannup on February 16.
WestCycle chief executive Matt Fulton said Mr Smith's death was the third cycling fatality in four months - all the result of a motor vehicle striking a rider from behind.
"It wasn't because cyclists were riding in large groups, riding more than two abreast or disobeying the road rules," he said.
"I think there's general agreement we need to do more to create a safer environment for the 420,000 West Australians who choose to ride a bike every week.
"A greater investment in infrastructure and the introduction of safe passing distance legislation is the best place to start."
Greens MP Lynn MacLaren has introduced safe passing distance legislation into State Parliament.
Ms MacLaren said WA's major trauma unit had indicated that the most serious injuries to cyclists had occurred after they were hit from behind.
"WA has a serious anger management problem if that is considered OK," she said.
"No responsible adult should view this through the prism of irritation that one bad cyclist, or peloton of enthusiasts, might ignite."
Ms MacLaren said the legislation would require drivers to give a metre or more distance when approaching, passing and overtaking cyclists.
"Contrary to criticism, similar laws have proved practical in many European countries and 20 US States, and it is being tried in the ACT and Queensland.
"I already give a metre or more space around cyclists. I do this as a courtesy and I arrive no later at my destination as a result," she said.
"The only drivers whose behaviour this legislation would change are those who do not share the road. These drivers are a minority but they hold lives in their hands."
Bicycle Transport Alliance spokesman Heinrich Benz said the recent fatalities all occurred where no cycling lanes and paths were available and victims were hit by vehicles travelling in the same direction as the cyclists.
"That's why we need to legislate for a safe passing distance of at least 1m when a car overtakes a person on a bicycle," Mr Benz said.
"But neither the police nor the Office of Road Safety supports this simple measure.
"Both the Minister for Police and the Premier have publicly expressed the view that these serious crashes are mainly the fault of the bicycle rider," he said.
"People walking, people cycling and people driving are all sharing our roads, and are all entitled to get to work, schools, train stations or home safely."
