Minimum safe passing distance

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
David Sharp
47 Keogh Street
WEST IPSWICH QLD 4305
Total Signatures - 6,198
Sponsoring Member: Dr Bruce Flegg MP
Posting Date: 9/5/2013
Closing Date: 28/10/2013
Tabled Date: 29/10/2013
Responded By: Hon Scott Emerson MP on 28/11/2013
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House deficiencies in the current overtaking laws in that motorists may come dangerously close to a cyclist while overtaking and at considerable speed, posing an undeniable risk and yet breach no law.


Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to enact legislation to modify existing regulations requiring that a motorist maintain a minimum safe distance of one point five metres between their vehicle and a cyclist whilst overtaking, with a thirty metre exemption at intersections to allow for filtering.  Such a measure will strengthen current laws with respect to cyclists. This proposal, by providing clear boundaries, will better serve the interests of motorists and cyclists alike.  Furthermore, this proposal would also reflect the fact that it is not necessary for a motorist to collide with a cyclist in order to endanger either life or health; an anomaly that must be addressed if the government is to reduce congestion and promote cycling as a viable alternative means of transportation. We acknowledge the importance sustainable green initiatives, and due to ever increasing environmental awareness, more Queenslanders are now seeing cycling as a positive way of reducing their carbon footprint and minimising congestion.  We question how long such enthusiasm will last while the current ambiguous legislation remains unchanged. A minimum distance of one point five metres has the potential to maintain this momentum, as well as contributing towards the Government's current Cycling Strategy, helping more Queenslanders enjoy a healthier, safer future.