It is pleasing that the ACT government plans to extend the "meter matters" cycling rules in the territory following the two-year trial.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
It is also likely following the outlined review that the rules will become permanent for motorists in the territory given the evidence of success so far.
Any measures that improve the safety of vulnerable road users must be encouraged particularly when it comes to reducing the carnage in our region.
Cyclists remain the most likely to be killed or severely injured on our roads and we should do all we can to protect them.
The rules, which mandate drivers leaving a minimum distance of one metre when overtaking a cyclist, have not been universally welcomed.
A minority of cyclists of course do not do the right thing on the road and infuriate drivers; running red lights, riding in a pack over several lanes of traffic, veering in front of cars.
It is likely a similar number to the motorists who swerve to scare cyclists, throw things at them, shout at them and cut them off in traffic.
Bad cyclists and drivers are dangerous on our roads but we must consider that the majority of road users do the right thing.
According to data provided by the ACT government there were 789 road crashes involving cyclists on Canberra roads between 2007 and 2016.
During the first full calendar year of the trial 75 crashes occurred, which represented a seven year low.
This positive data is also backed up by similar trials or permanent regulations in other states.
An obvious difficulty with these laws is that they will be rarely enforced unless there happens to be a police presence at the time.
But if the "meter matters" mantra leads to behavioural change by motorists through education about safe passing then it is worthwhile.
Motorists also might be influenced by the increase in the number of cyclists using cameras to record their rides.
Fear of behaviour being reported to police may well also lead to compliance with the rules.
