Union claims trial one-metre law will hinder transport industry drivers as they do their jobs
Queensland drivers are required to keep at least a metre distance from cyclists as a new law comes into effect today.
However, the two-year trial which is set to encourage better road sharing, does not have everybody convinced.
The Transport Workers’ Union of Queensland (TWU) believes the rule will prevent the transport industry from doing their job.
“We support improved safety for cyclists but the introduction of this one-metre rule is a reactionary approach that will expose a lot of motorists,” TWU State Secretary Peter Biagini says.
“As the representative of thousands of courier, heavy vehicle, waste and bus and taxi drivers, there are too many variables and unaddressed factors that will impact our workers trying to do their jobs.
“There needs to be improvement for the safety of both cyclists and motorists but this rule is too one-sided and is not a sole long-term solution.”
Drivers are required to give a minimum of one metre when passing cyclists and at least a metre-and-a-half where the speed is greater than 60kph.
Transport Minister Scott Emerson says 13 cyclists were killed on the roads last year.
“The trial of the new rules will improve cyclists’ safety and ensure there is enough space between a motorist and the rider,” Emerson says.
“The new rules will also allow motorists to cross centre lines and painted traffic islands to pass cyclists when safe to do so.”