The following article was taken from the Media Release: A Metre Matters In Victoria: Road Rule Updated to Make Cycling Safer for Victorians.
The Amy Gillett Foundation celebrates update to Victorian’s road rules which will help make it safe for cyclists and drivers to share the road.
The Amy Gillett Foundation launched a national campaign for A Metre Matters in 2009.
Victoria joins every other State and Territory in Australia in implementing A Metre Matters road rules.
FRIDAY 23 APRIL 2021
National cycling safety charity, the Amy Gillett Foundation (AGF) celebrates the Victorian Government’s amendment to road rules to specify the minimum safe space to give when driving passed a cyclist.
Today, the Hon Ben Carroll MP, Minister for Roads and Road Safety is joined by AGF CEO, Dan Kneipp, RACV Senior Manager of Transport, Planning and Infrastructure, Peter Kartsidimas and Bicycle Network CEO, Craig Richards at Fitzroy High School, Melbourne Victoria, to announce the change to Victorian road rules effective Monday 26 April, 2021.
The updated road rule will require Victorians to leave a minimum of 1 metre distance when passing a cyclist in speed zones 60km/h or lower, and 1.5 metres when passing in speed limits over 60km/h.
The Hon Ben Carroll MP, Minister for Roads and Roads Safety said, “This new rule provides a clear direction on how much space motorists should give cyclists when passing. We all share the roads and need to look out for one another.”
AGF CEO, Dan Kneipp said, “We congratulate the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll, and the Victorian Government for their support for safe cycling and their commitment to making our roads safe for all road users.”
This update follows a two-year public education campaign in Victoria, ‘Give Cyclists the Space to Ride Safe’. Every other State and Territory in Australia has previously updated this road rule, with Queensland first introducing a trial of A Metre Matters in 2014.
Victoria is the final State to update this road rule after a national 10-year campaign launched by the Amy Gillett Foundation (AGF) in 2009. The A Metre Matters road rule clarifies the minimum space to give when driving passed a person cycling.
“A metre matters because it can save a person’s life, and these road rules will help our community avoid the terrible impact of road trauma. Giving cyclists safe space when you drive helps everyone stay safe, and most importantly it makes cycling easier and more enjoyable for Victorians,” said Mr Kneipp.
“We know safety is a major barrier for people who want to travel by bike in Victoria, and by improving our road rules, by continuing to invest infrastructure and in education, we will see more people choosing to ride and taking the pressure off our network,” said Mr Kneipp.
A Metre Matters has broad community support, 9 out of 10 Victorians support the introduction of AMM (AGF Community Attitudes Research, 2016).
The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) worked closely with the Amy Gillett Foundation on the consultation surrounding the introduction of the rule. RACV Senior Manager Transport, Planning and Infrastructure, Peter Kartsidimas said, “RACV welcomes the introduction of the minimum passing distance rule.”
“We continue to see an increase in the number of people riding their bikes as a way of getting around, keeping active, and exploring and connecting with their local communities.
“Many Victorians have told us they want to ride more, but they want to feel safe to do so. The introduction of this rule will go a long way to ensuring all road users, including cyclists, are kept safe,” said Mr Kartsidimas.
From Monday 26 April, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) will commence a public education campaign to educate Victorians about the change to the road rules. This campaign includes helpful reminders, ‘if it’s not safe to pass, wait’, and ‘drivers, give the space to ride safe’.
Available for interview:
Mr Dan Kneipp (pron. Ka-nipe), CEO, Amy Gillett Foundation
Mr Peter Kartsidimas, Senior Manager Transport, RACV
Media contacts
Ms Sarah Dalton – Amy Gillett Foundation Media & Communications Manager
T: 0414 500 277
Ms Eleanor Colonico – RACV External Communications Manager
T: 0407 064 748
About Amy Gillett Foundation
Every day over 20 cyclists are hospitalised with serious injuries, including brain injuries and fractures. A cyclist is killed every 10 days on Australian roads. This isn’t good enough.
The Amy Gillett Foundation’s mission is for safe cycling in Australia. Our vision is for zero deaths and a reduction in the serious injury of people riding bikes. Each year, nearly 40 people die while riding a bike on Australian roads. One in five people injured on Australian roads is a person riding a bike. The Amy Gillett Foundation (AGF) was born out of the tragic death of Amy Gillett, killed while on a training ride with the Australian Women’s Cycling Team in 2005. As Australia’s leading cycling safety charity, we champion an evidence-based approach to safe cycling. We support research, create education programs and advocate for safe cycling. We work with all levels of government, road authorities, corporate, motoring, cycling and community road safety organisations and the public to create a safe cyclist environment in Australia.