A debate has been lasting for seemingly decades and it certainly divides people: should cyclists pay road registration?
It’s a fair question considering some bike riders use the road as much as cars and some people suggest they should be made to contribute to their upkeep and renewal.
However, an Australian government department has shut down that conversation for now and sided with cyclists.
Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads posts a weekly road test on Facebook to see how many people know the rules.
Credit: Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads
This week’s test asked how much room you should give a cyclist if you’re going above or below 60km/h. The simple picture sparked a flurry of angry comments from people asking why they should share the pavement with bike riders if they don’t pay rego.
One person wrote on the post: “Why is the bicycle even on this road? They should be restricted to bike lanes or 60km/h roads.”
Another added: “They need indicators and mirrors. Some just cut straight in front of you without looking or hand signals.”
As the debate raged, the Department of Transport and Main Roads posted a statement to stop people from continuing.
The statement said: “Bike riders are allowed to ride on the road in Queensland, so please note that rules about staying wider of the rider are here to stay.
“If you’re worried about registration we’re just going to remind everyone that we all (including bike riders) contribute to the cost of roads with our rates and general taxes.”
Credit: PA
Looks like the debate is settled…at least in Queensland.
But if you were also gagging to know the outcome of the original question posted by the Queensland road authority then fear not, they have provided the answer.
If you’re travelling on a road and a cyclist comes into view this is what you need to do.
“The driver of the orange car has to leave a minimum of 1.5 metres between their vehicle and the bike rider when passing, because the speed limit is over 60km/h,” Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads said.
“When the speed limit is 60km/h or less you need to leave at least 1m.The driver of the orange car can also cross continuous lines to pass the bike rider-but if you don’t have a clear view of approaching traffic, be patient! Wait until you have a clear view of approaching traffic before overtaking the bike rider.”
Aussies have been creative in their desire to ensure distance is kept between cars and cyclists, including using a pool noodle on a bike.
Source link : https://www.ladbible.com/news/latest-government-department-says-cyclists-wont-have-to-registration-20200922
