IMPROVED driver awareness is being touted as the reason behind a 24 per cent drop in crashes involving ­cyclists within the last year in Cairns.

During 2014, a total of 43 bike-related crashes were reported in both the Cairns and Smithfield police divisions – 14 less than the ­previous year.

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Cycling coach Sue Rayner said she had seen a marked ­behaviour change in motorists when the new legislation regarding passing distance was introduced in April.

But she said she was worried the message may have lost momentum a little following the initial push.

“Initially when the metre matters launched there was a lot of activity around that so what I saw was motorists making a concerted effort to give me a metre,” she said.

“But I think that might be wearing off a bit now.”

She said the reduction in crashes was promising though.

“I think the big thing too is it’s probably reassuring for parents who want to get their kids to start cycling,” she said.

“Those bike buses are ­getting very popular, but I think all parents worry about their children being involved in a crash.”

media_camera Former professional rider Ian Campigli and cycling coach Sue Rayner riding their bikes in Edge Hill. They are excited about figures released by police which show a 24 per cent drop in the number of crashes involving cyclists this year.

Cairns forensic crash unit Acting Sgt Scott Ezard said road improvements from black spot funding, the new legislation and The Cairns Post’s Share the Road campaign had probably been factors behind the reduction.

He said the number of accidents involving pedestrians had also dropped by about 20 per cent.

“It’s a whole of community approach,” he said.

“There is an awareness of increasing numbers of cyclists on the road and people are showing some respect. To know that we’re trending down is a positive thing and we can only hope it continues.”

media_camera Former professional rider Ian Campigli and cycling coach Sue Rayner riding their bikes in Edge Hill. They are excited about figures released by police which show a 24 per cent drop in the number of crashes involving cyclists this year.

Queensland recorded its lowest road toll this year with 223 deaths.

However the Far North’s total of 18 was the same as the previous year.