Thousands of Aussie drivers campaign to change cycling road rule
Australian drivers are fighting for a road rule that could finally mean the end to the war between cyclists and cars.
More than 80,000 people have signed a change.org petition calling for a compulsory single file rule for cyclists who ride in groups, regardless of whether a bike lane exists in a particular spot or not.
The drivers are calling on the transport ministers of each Australian state to make the change.
As part of the law change, the drivers also want cyclists banned from driving on roads with a speed limit of 80km/h or higher if the roads don’t have designated bike lanes.
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“We are tired of taxpayer dollars being lavished on expensive road systems with designated bike lanes, only to see cyclists continue to ride two or more abreast, spilling into main traffic lanes and impeding traffic flow,” the petition said.
“We are tired of the safety hazards such cyclists present, and we are tired of being told we’re bad drivers if we complain about this problem.
“We, the undersigned concerned citizens of Australia, believe our money is being wasted every time an expensive bike lane is built on a main road in circumstances where cyclists ignore such infrastructure as a matter of routine behaviour.”
The creator of the petition believes cyclists travelling in single file would be safest.
Bikes NSW communications director Kim Lavender told News Corp there were better alternatives for cyclists and the two abreast rule was safer.
“If you are riding two abreast on a road it means you are taking up less length on the road so it is easier for cars to overtake,” she said.
“It reduces it down to two metres of overtaking as opposed to three or more if riders were in single file.”
Transport Minister Michael McCormack has been contacted for comment.
