NOT SUCH A CLOSE CALL: Cyclists are happy with new laws regarding the distance drivers must keep from them.

NOT SUCH A CLOSE CALL: Cyclists are happy with new laws regarding the distance drivers must keep from them. Bev Lacey

BUNDABERG police says the new cycling laws introduced this week will go a long way to increasing the safety of bicycle riders.

The laws, which came into effect on Monday, mean motorists must give a minimum gap of one metre when passing cyclists in a 60km or lower speed zone and at least 1.5 metres in higher speed zones.

Under the new legislation, which will be trialled by the State Government for two years, motorists who break the rule will receive a $330 fine and three demerit points.

A maximum fine of $4400 can apply if the matter goes to court.

Sergeant Marty Arnold said the laws were a long time coming.

"We quite regularly get complaints from cyclists about near misses and sometimes we have helmet camera footage sent to us and it is quite frightening to see the distance some vehicles leave when passing," he said.

"We just want to reiterate that bicycle riders have all the same rights as a vehicle on the road. But we also want bicycle riders to be mindful that because they are so vulnerable that safety is their biggest priority."

While cyclists were expected to keep a safe distance when passing other traffic the new minimum passing distance does not apply to them.

However, cyclists who break the road rules will now pay fines equal to motorists.

Sgt Arnold said police would not be going around every time someone reports that a vehicle was 80cm away from it but wanted residents to use common sense.

"A lot of our vehicles are fitted with cameras and in our day-to-day patrols of the area, if we do see vehicles travelling too close to bicycles, then we will take action," he said. "If you are going to pass a bicycle you have to treat it like any other obstacle or obstruction and leave a safe distance. Cyclists should travel with care and keep as far left as practical."

A statement on the Department of Transport and Main Roads website says that "motorists can cross centre lines - including double unbroken centre lines, straddle lane-lines and drive on painted islands to pass cyclists, provided the driver has a clear view of any approaching traffic and it is safe to do so".

"If you have stopped, for example at traffic lights or in a line of traffic, and a cyclist stops beside you within the minimum passing distance, you have not committed an offence," it said.

New laws