The Liberal Government is committed to improving the safety of vulnerable road users, including cyclists.
That’s why we have changed the road rules to allow motorists to cross continuous white lines to pass cyclists when safe to do so, and it’s also why we are now rolling out new cyclist warning signs.
We promised before the election to install new warning signs along popular cycling routes around Tasmania and we are delivering, with the first signs going in this week.
High use cycling routes were selected in consultation with local councils, cycling groups and cyclists through the Road Safety Advisory Council’s Cycling Safety Steering Committee.
There are two versions of the sign. One depicts a recommended passing distance of one metre for roads with speeds of up to and including 60km/h, and the other a recommended passing distance of 1.5 metres for roads above 60km/h.
The diamond advisory sign depicts a motorist passing a cyclist at these recommended distances. The signs also include a supplementary plate with the words “pass cyclists safely”.
The signs aim to:
• increase driver awareness of the presence of cyclists on roads popular with cyclists; and
• encourage motorists to pass cyclists safely, but only when safe to do so.
For more information, including Statewide and regional sign locations, visit: www.transport.tas.gov.au/roadsafety/roads/cyclist_warning_signs
The changes to the road rules take effect from 25 February 2015. For more information visit: www.transport.tas.gov.au/centrelines
Rene Hidding, Minister for Infrastructure
