POLICE say they have “no idea” how controversial new cycling laws will be enforced when they are rolled out across the state next week.

The new laws mean motorists must give a minimum gap of one metre when passing cyclists in a 60km/h or lower speed zone and at least 1.5 metres where the speed limit is more than 60km/h.

Police sources have slammed the laws, labelling them as “impractical” and “pointless bureaucracy.”

“Police are not going to drive around with a tape measure,” a police source said.

“Realistically, how will this work? How will we measure the distance?”

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

If the matter is taken to court, motorists can be slapped with a maximum penalty of $4400.

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Gold Coast cyclist Amanda Flower supports the new law.

She said it would give drivers an idea of how much room they should give when overtaking cyclists.

“I think it is really important because I don’t think drivers are aware how close they are sometimes,” Ms Flower said.

“I think if you can put an estimation of the distance they need to be, it will help.”

Ms Flower has just completed a charity fundraiser in which she rode 2000km during March to raise awareness for the Rogue and Rouge foundation.

During a ride to Byron Bay, the 29-year-old cyclist found herself too close for comfort with a semi-trailer on the Pacific Highway.

“On the ride we had semi-trailers within a metre of us,” she said.

“If I had put my arm out it would have been gone, and there was no reason for it.

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“I don’t know if it is ignorance or the drivers don’t know their size.”

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The new laws will also introduce “equal fines for cyclists and motorists’’ – meaning cyclists who break the road rules will pay the same fines as motorists.

These laws include failing to stop at a red light or stop sign and exceeding the speed limit.

Drivers will also be allowed to cross into an oncoming lane to ensure a safe distance from cyclists when overtaking.

Gold Coast traffic lawyer Sam Jackson said he would be “surprised” if many people were prosecuted for breaching it.

“It is going to be difficult to police,” Mr Jackson said.

“I find it odd that the driver can go over a double line. How often does a car and bicycle accident happen to risk a head-on collision with another vehicle?”