2020-04-22
In an effort to make bike riding safer for the growing number of people and families who are riding their bikes as a result of COVID-19, the Victorian Greens will introduce ‘metre matters’ laws on Thursday during an emergency sitting of parliament.
The laws will require vehicles to give cyclists a minimum one metre passing distance, or 1.5 metres if the speed limit is over 60 kilometres per hour.
Victorian Greens spokesperson for transport, Sam Hibbins, said that Victoria was the only state without minimum passing distance laws and that it was time to catch up to the rest of the country.
Every state in Australia has either committed to, trialled or implemented minimum passing distance laws except Victoria.
This will be the third time the Greens have introduced ‘metre matters’ legislation into state parliament.
Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens spokesperson for transport, Sam Hibbins MP:
“As more and more people, particularly families, are choosing to ride a bike for transport or exercise because of COVID-19, metre matters laws will help make our roads safe for everyone.
“Bike shops across Australia are reporting an increase in sales and cities around the world have created temporary protected bike lanes to provide people with safe places to ride.
“Implementing a minimum passing distance will quickly create more space for bike riders to be safely separated from vehicles.
“The reality is that the state government could implement this family friendly reform now and not wait until parliament goes back. At the very least they should be trialling these laws whilst more inexperienced riders and families are out riding on our streets.”