Keeping safe lateral distance when passing bicycle rider
144A Keeping safe lateral distance when passing bicycle rider
The driver of a motor vehicle passing the rider of a bicycle who is travelling in the same direction as the driver must pass the bicycle at least a sufficient distance from the bicycle. Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units. Rule 129 generally requires a rider of a bicycle on a road, other than a multi-lane road, to ride as near as practicable to the far left side of the road.
A sufficient distance from a bicycle is – if the applicable speed-limit is not more than 60 km/h – a lateral distance from the bicycle of at least 1 metre; or if the applicable speed-limit is more than 60 km/h – a lateral distance from the bicycle of at least 1.5 metres.
For subsection (2), the lateral distance is the distance between the following points:the furthermost point to the left on the driver's vehicle or any projection from the vehicle (whether or not attached to the vehicle); the furthermost point to the right on the bicycle, any bicycle trailer towed by the bicycle, the rider or any passenger in or on the trailer.
| Example of what is part of a bicycle for paragraph (b) | |
|---|---|
| A basket or pannier bags attached to the bicycle. | |
| Example of what is not part of a bicycle for paragraph (b) | |
| A flag or stick, whether or not flexible, attached to the bicycle, that projects sideways from the bicycle. |
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