A key advocacy group for cyclist safety has backed proposed ACT laws which would see drivers who endanger cyclists and other vulnerable road users face tough new penalties.
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The Amy Gillett Foundation welcomed penalties including fines and up to two years in prison included in legislation creating aggravated offencesof furious, reckless or dangerous driving.
The laws are expected to be passed by the ACT Legislative Assembly later this year.
Foundation chief executive officer Tracey Gaudry said the bill, introduced by ACT Attorney-General Simon Corbell on Thursday, recognised the need for greater protection of the most vulnerable users of local roadways.
“The ACT’s inquiry into vulnerable road users is yet to deliver their much-awaited final report,” Ms Gaudry said.
“Mr Corbell is demonstrating the proactivity of the ACT government in regards to vulnerable road user safety.”
Named for Australian cyclist Amy Gillett who was killed by an out-of-control driver while training in 2005, the foundation advocates for safer bike riding in Australia and seeks to reduce death and injury of bicycle riders.
Under the proposed laws, cyclists and motorcyclists in the ACT would be recognised as vulnerable road users, along with riders of animals, riders of motorised scooters and Segways.
Drivers could face aggravated charges for failing to comply with police, driving while drunk, driving 30 per cent above speed limits or putting vulnerable road users at risk.
They could be fined, jailed or lose their licence, with other factors - including driving with a person younger than 17 years or being a repeat offender - taken into account.
Liberal opposition MLAs are considering the legislation and will seek clarification from the government on what behaviours would constitute causing risk to vulnerable road users.
Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury has signalled his support for the bill, which would likely become the first Australian state or territory law recognising the increased risk faced by vulnerable road users.
Local advocacy group Pedal Power gave its support when the bill was announced last week.
The Assembly inquiry into vulnerable road users will release its final report next month.
“Safety on our roads is a responsibility shared by everyone, however a range of measures are needed to protect those who are more vulnerable, including people who ride bikes on roads, including infrastructure, driver and bike rider education and legislation,” Ms Gaudry said.
“As a witness to the inquiry, the Amy Gillett Foundation explained how statutory driving offences could apply to drivers for the safety of vulnerable road users, with associated penalties based on the severity of the offence.
“Vulnerable road user legislation already exists in countries overseas,” she said.
Ms Gaudry said the foundation would await the inquiry into vulnerable road users report.
