Greens announce coordinated A Metre Matters cycling safety laws
Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber will introduce a new law to make cycling safer, supported by Adam Bandt MP as part of a coordinated Greens national response to the Amy Gillett Foundation 'A Metre Matters' campaign, launched today.
"Every year in Australia, an average of 35 bicycle riders are killed and more than 9,500 are seriously injured. Passing laws will cost us nothing but it will be safer for our kids to ride to school." said Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber MLC.
"The State government hasn't listened to the public call for safer cycling. If they don't do it soon, they will face my Bill in Parliament."
Australian Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt said "Greens MPs across the nation are supporting legislation to make drivers leave a minimum distance when overtaking bicycle riders – of 1 metre on roads up to 60km/h, and 1.5 metres on faster roads. The Greens in Federal parliament will work to change the National road rules in line with the state Greens proposals."
Amy Gillett Foundation Chief Executive Officer Tracey Gaudry said
"Everyone has the right to ride safely for work and play. Legislation supporting a minimum overtaking distance is one of a number of connected initiatives to foster greater acceptance of cycling in our culture, and help drivers and bicycle riders share our roads more safely."
"The solidarity being shown by the Greens clearly demonstrates that legislative review is needed to make it safer for bicycle riders on our roads. It is vital to achieve bi-partisan support for minimum overtaking distance legislation in states and territories, with the ultimate outcome being national unity through amendment of the Australian Road Rules. Communities across Australia have galvanised in support of this movement." said Ms Gaudry
A one-metre legislated minimum gap has been introduced in Europe and in nearly half the states in the USA.